To evaluate the inflammatory response and acid-base equilibrium index, as well as other clinical facts of the endoscopic thyroidectomy via the anterior chest wall approach.

39 patients who received thyroidectomy in our surgical center during September 2007 and January 2008 were included in this study. Twenty of the patients underwent an endoscopic surgery, and the rest 19 received a conventional surgery. These patients' data were compared within and between treatment groups with respect to clinical facts and inflammatory evaluations. Arterial blood gas data and electrolyte data were analyzed within the endoscopic group.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy group showed shorter operative time compared to that of conventional thyroidectomy group, although the difference didn't reach statistical significance. No significant difference regarding postoperative hospital stay was observed between two groups. Postoperative day 1 shows much higher values of IL-6 and TNF than that measured preoperative or postoperative day 3 in both groups. CRP appeared to be significantly increased postoperatively in both groups, although no difference between the two groups was found. Although blood cortisol significantly increased in both groups postoperatively, the data of endoscopic group postoperative day 1 was lower than the same day of conventional group. Arterial blood gas analysis showed that both PCO₂ and TCO₂ were statistically different between preoperation and 30 min after insufflation. No insufflation complication was observed.

Compared with conventional thyroid surgery, endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest wall approach presented with no significant difference in respect of both clinical facts and laboratory outcomes.