ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, feasibility and practicability of radical operation via the areola of breast approach compared to the open surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC).MethodsA total of 43 patients undergoing radical PTMC surgery via the thoracic approach (the chest group) and 59 patients undergoing open surgery (the open group) were collected from September 2016 to October 2017, which were compared to analyze the intraoperative and postoperative relevant indicators of the two groups.ResultsThe operation time and hospitalization time were longer in the chest group than those in the open group. The incision drainage volume on the first day after operation was higher in the chest group than that in the open group (P<0.05), but the cosmetic satisfaction of the chest group was better than that of the open group.Especially, the patients were very satisfied and satisfied in the fivelevel score of the chest group for 88.37% and the open group for 18.64% (P<0.05). The score was significantly higher in the chest group than in the open group.It was statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, VAS score, Total central lymph node dissections, positive lymph node dissections, postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid injury rate in the chest group compared to the open group (P>0.05). There was no recurrence or metastasis for patients in both groups followed up for an average of half a year after surgery.ConclusionsIt has outstanding aesthetic effect, safe and feasible clinical practice, and broad application prospect although PTMC has a large postoperative drainage volume, a long duration of operation and hospitalization. However, it should be performed on the basis of the strict indications and the operation of the skilled operator.