ObjectiveTo explore the safety, effectiveness and minimally invasive cosmetic evaluation results of treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by video-assisted lateral neck dissection (VALND) or open lateral neck dissection (OLND).MethodsThe clinical data of patients with PTC who received surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from June 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The data of 94 cases in the VALND group (n=47) and the OLND group (n=47) were finally included in this study, and perioperative conditions and minimally invasive cosmetic evaluation results between the two groups were studied.ResultsThere were no statistical differences of lateral metastatic lymph node numbers, operative time, postoperative drainage volume, drainage tube removal time and postoperative hospitalization days between the two groups (P>0.05). The lateral retrieved lymph node numbers, intraoperative blood loss, the degree of cervical paresthesia and the degree of cosmetic satisfaction in the VALND group were significantly better than those in the OLND group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference of surgical complications between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionWithout sacrificing surgical safety and effectiveness, VALND has better cosmetic effect and less neck trauma than OLND, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.