Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy: an alternative to traditional open thyroidectomy.

Background: The traditional thyroidectomy technique typically approaches the thyroid through a range of different sized transverse incisions in the neck. Such a scar can result in hypesthesias, paresthesias, and increased patient self-awareness. Furthermore, in some patients of darker-skin ethnicity, the traditional neck incision can result in hyperplastic and keloid scar formation in a highly visible area of the neck. In an effort to lessen this adverse cosmetic outcome, we recently began performing endoscopic thyroidectomy, as described by Ikeda et al, using an axillary approach to conceal the incisions. We recently reviewed our series and studied the feasibility and safety of this approach in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. We herein present our results in the use of this procedure in all patients requiring thyroid resection and highlight the potential advantage in patients having a tendency for hypertrophic cervical scarring. From August 2003 to January 2008 we performed a transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy on 53 patients. Forty-one patients were of African descent. All patients underwent successful completion of thyroidectomy using this approach.

Conclusions: Excellent aesthetic results with no visible scarring in the neck region can be safely achieved with this innovative surgical technique. Although the procedure has been shown to be of benefit to all patients, an added advantage may be seen in those patients prone to hypertrophic scarring. Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe alternative to the traditional open approach in select patients with benign thyroid disease.