Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy for Follicular Neoplasm: Is There an Advantage Over Conventional Thyroidectomy?

Abstract

MIVAT is as safe and effective as conventional thyroidectomy and is associated with similar narcotic analgesic requirements, but it can be performed through smaller incisions. Operative times were significantly longer for MIVAT, but when patients with thyroiditis were excluded, operative times were not significantly different.

Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy

“…While a variety of minimally invasive approaches have been endorsed, the technique most widely practiced in North America is the minimally invasive videoassisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT), as originally described by Miccoli et al 1 As with many new surgical techniques, adoption of MIVAT in the United States has been slow and somewhat deliberate. Increasingly, however, high-volume thyroid surgical centers have embraced this approach, and modest-sized case series 8,9 have been published detailing their experiences. …”

“Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy. Initial experience in a general surgery department”

“…Larger series of clinical and comparative studies have demonstrated that this technique is reproducible and safe, with an incidence of postoperative complications similar to that reported for the conventional approach [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

Comparison of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and conventional thyroidectomy: a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial

“…13,19,[41][42][43][44][45][46] One of the reasons for this initial refusal is partly due to the technical difficulty of endoscopic resection, which requires adequate training both in open and endoscopic procedures before gland resection can be safely performed. 46 MIVAT has the potential to offer similar advantages over conventional thyroidectomy.…”

“…Increasingly, however, high-volume thyroid surgical centers have embraced this approach, and modest-sized case series have been published detailing their experiences. 18,19 In a more comprehensive reflection of the North American experience with MIVAT, consolidated data were compiled prospectively at 4 academic medical centers, paying specific attention to the safety and feasibility of this approach. 20.…”