%0 Journal Article
%T The Minimally Invasive Effect of Breast Approach Endoscopic Thyroidectomy: An Expert's Experience
%A Wei Zhang
%A Zhi-guo Jiang
%A Dao-zhen Jiang
%A Xiang-min Zheng
%A Hong-liang Shen
%A Cheng-xiang Shan
%A Sheng Liu
%A Ming Qiu
%J Clinical and Developmental Immunology
%D 2010
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2010/459143
%X We evaluated the invasiveness of breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy (BAET) carried out by surgeon very experienced in this procedure. Twenty-four patients who underwent BAET and 19 patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy were the study population. Postoperative pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). The values 2, 12, and 24 h after surgery were significantly lower in the BAET group than those in the conventional group. Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were measured by an ELISA preoperatively and at 2, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation. Their values increased significantly after both procedures when compared to preoperative levels with significant differences between the two groups detected at the 24-hour and 48-hour time points. Subjective and objective evidence supported the notion that BAET could become a minimally invasive procedure if the surgeon gained sufficient experience.
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cdi/2010/459143/