[Clinical experience and efficacy of endoscopic surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma through total areola...

To investigate the experience and efficacy of endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) through total areola approach.
 Methods: A total of 117 PTMC patients, who were diagnosed pathologically in Minimally Invasive Surgical Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from June 2016 to December 2017, were divided into a endoscopic surgery group (n=72) and an open surgery group (n=45). The number of dissected central lymph nodes, blood loss, amount of drainage, occurrence of postoperative complication and recurrence were collected and compared.
 Results: Compared with the open surgery group, the blood loss was less and the operative time was longer in the endoscopic surgery group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the number of dissected central lymph nodes, amount of drainage and occurrence of postoperative complication (all P>0.05). The mean follow-up time was more than 20 months, and there was no recurrence in the 2 groups. 
 Conclusion: Endoscopic thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection through total areola approach is safe and feasible in patients with PTMC. It has many advantages, such as no scar on neck, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay and more acceptable to young patients.