Total endoscopic thyroidectomy with bilateral breast areola and ipsilateral axillary (bbia) approach

Abstract
Background  Endoscopic surgery for thyroid nodules is used by many endocrine surgeons. The present study reviews our experiences with
endoscopic thyroidectomy using bilateral breast areola and ipsilateral axillary (BBIA) approach to evaluate its safety and
feasibility.

Methods  From June 2003 through November 2007, the study group was comprised of 68 consecutive patients with benign thyroid nodules
(66 women; mean age, 33.28 ± 10.3 (range, 15–72) years). A detailed description of the surgical technique is provided.

Results  The mean maximum diameter of the tumor was 3.14 ± 1.61 (range, 1–10.7) cm. Sixty-five cases were successfully resected with
an endoscopic procedure, but three cases were converted to a conventional open procedure due to bleeding. Endoscopic procedures
were 61 lobectomies, 2 isthmectomies, and 2 near total thyroidectomies. The mean operating time was 89.93 ± 24.71 (range,
50–170) minutes, and the last 32 cases tended to take less time than the first 33 cases (P = 0.033). No CO2 gas-related complications, such as subcutaneous emphysema or hypercapnia, were observed. There was no case of permanent recurrent
laryngeal nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism. The mean length of the hospital stay was 5.37 ± 1.5 (range, 3–11) days.

Conclusions  Endoscopic thyroidectomy using BBIA approach is safe and feasible. The cosmetic results were considered excellent by all patients.
The advantages of this approach are no cervical or chest wall scar, and no significant morbidity.

Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00268-008-9693-7Authors
K. Jeryong, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaL. Jinsun, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaK. Hyegyong, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaC. Eilsung, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaS. Jiyoung, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaS. Insang, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaA. Moonsang, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaK. Jiyeon, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South KoreaH. Jaeeun, Chungnam National University Department of Surgery, College of Medicine 640, Daesadong, Jung-Ku Daejeon 301-721 South Korea

Journal World Journal of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1432-2323Print ISSN 0364-2313 (Source: World Journal of Surgery)  MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.