Objective To study the possibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy. Methods Benign thyroid tumors, with diameter between 22 mm and 38 mm, were successfully removed in 8 patients by endoscopic thyroidectomy through anterior chest wall. Results The mean operation time was 120 min (range, 60 min～180 min), and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 20 ml (range, 10 ml～50 ml). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. And no scars remained. Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy through anterior chest wall is a safe and effective procedure for benign thyroid tumors, with excellent cosmetic results in the neck postoperatively.