Comparison of transaxillary approach, retroauricular approach, and conventional open hemithyroidectomy: A prospective study at single institution

Background The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the operative outcomes and postoperative subjective functional parameters of transaxillary (TA) and retroauricular (RA) approach thyroidectomy, with those of conventional hemithyroidectomy. Methods From May 2011 through December 2013, 153 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy were categorized prospectively into 3 groups according to the surgical approach used (TA, RA, and conventional hemithyroidectomy groups). All patients underwent prospective acoustic and functional evaluation, using a comprehensive battery of functional assessments, preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Results Age at diagnosis was significantly lower in the TA (n = 50) and RA groups (n = 42) than in the conventional group (n = 61; P