Endoscopic thyroidectomy via a transaxillary approach is a safe procedure in patients with breast augmentation.

[INTRODUCTION] Breast augmentation with implants is a common cosmetic procedure. Some endoscopic thyroid procedures can pose a risk of damage to the augmented breast. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of transaxillary gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy in patients with augmented breast.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Between January 2009 and December 2010, 120 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomies. Of those, 6 patients had previously undergone breast augmentation. Augmented breasts were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively in terms of shape and stability.

[RESULTS] All patients were female, and the mean age was 40.8 years. All patients received breast augmentation with silicone cohesive gel 2 to 10 years prior to thyroidectomy. Postoperatively, the authors found that there were no changes to the breasts in terms of anterior-posterior projections and internal angles. The augmented breasts remained stable.

[CONCLUSIONS] Endoscopic thyroidectomy via a transaxillary approach is safe and effective for patients who have undergone silicone breast implant augmentation.