Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in India

Remote-access thyroid surgery hides the scar in places that are less visible. Common routes include the axillo-breast approach (armpit and areola), the bilateral axillo-breast approach, and the transoral approach (TOETVA), which uses cuts inside the lower lip. A tunnel is created under the skin to reach the thyroid.

This surgery takes longer than conventional thyroidectomy and needs specific training. It is mainly chosen for cosmetic reasons, particularly by younger patients and those prone to thick scars.

How this approach differs

Unlike conventional surgery, the cut is placed away from the neck, so no scar is visible on the front of the neck. The tunnel under the skin can cause temporary numbness or tightness in the chest or chin. Operating time is longer, and candidacy is limited by gland size and cancer extent. It is offered only at specialised centres with endoscopic thyroid experience.

• ThyroidectomyStandard approach
• Robotic Thyroidectomy

Who needs endoscopic thyroidectomy

• Small benign nodules or goitres
• Low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers in suitable size
• Patients concerned about a visible neck scar
• Patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars
• Thyroid glands without major retrosternal (behind the breastbone) extension

How it is done

1. General anaesthesia is given.
2. Small cuts are made in the chosen remote site.
3. A working space is created under the skin, sometimes with gas.
4. The camera and instruments are passed through to the thyroid.
5. Nerves and parathyroid glands are identified and protected.
6. The thyroid is removed through one of the cuts and the wounds are closed.

Before you travel to India

• Thyroid ultrasound with gland size and nodule details
• FNA cytology report
• Thyroid function and calcium tests
• Photos or notes on previous scar healing if relevant
• A companion for the stay

Recovery and flying home

• Short hospital stay for most patients
• Temporary chest, armpit or chin numbness is common
• Fly home after surgeon review once swelling settles
• Avoid strenuous activity for a short period
• Hormone replacement and cancer follow-up as needed

Risks

• Voice changes from nerve irritation
• Low calcium
• Numbness or tightness along the tunnel
• Carbon dioxide-related complications, uncommon
• Mental nerve injury causing chin numbness in the transoral route
• Conversion to open surgery

Alternatives

• Conventional open thyroidectomy
• Robotic thyroidectomy
• Radiofrequency ablation for benign nodules
• Active surveillance for very small cancers

Conditions treated

• Thyroid Cancer
• Goitre (Enlarged Thyroid)

Hospitals in India for endoscopic thyroidectomy

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
• Aster MedcityKochi
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
• Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
• Continental HospitalsHyderabad

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Rajeev AgarwalMedanta - The Medicity
• Dr Rajesh MistryKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
• Dr Sanjay DeshmukhRuby Hall Clinic
• Dr Deepak SarinMedanta - The Medicity
• Dr Kanchan KaurMedanta - The Medicity
• Dr Sandeep NaikFortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices