Meta-analysis of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

Modified surgical fusion: VATS and BABA approach for ectopic intrathoracic and cervical thyroidectomy

Ectopic goitre, presenting as an isolated thoracic mass without connection to the main thyroid gland enlargement, is a rare occurrence. We describe a case where a patient reported persistent dry cough and back pain for 1 year, along with throat discomfort unresponsive to medication. A 2×1 cm swelling was noted over the right anterior aspect of the neck. Extensive evaluation, including chest X-rays and contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax, revealed a mediastinal mass suggestive of an ectopic thyroid.This case presents a distinctive scenario involving the simultaneous presence of ectopic mediastinal and cervical thyroid lesions. Both were effectively managed using a minimally invasive approach, combining video-assisted thoracic surgery for the excision of the mediastinal mass and a bilateral axillo-breast approach for the cervical lesion in a single procedure. This approach yielded minimal morbidity, aesthetically pleasing outcomes and rapid recovery. Remarkably, such a case has not been previously documented in the available literature.

Comparison of endoscopic thyroidectomy by complete areola approach and conventional open surgery in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A retrospective study and meta-analysis

Background

The feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy by complete areola approach (ETCA) remains controversial. This study was conducted by combining our clinical data with the data obtained from a systematic review literature search to examine the effectiveness and safety of ETCA compared with conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Methods

A total of 136 patients with a diagnosis of DTC who underwent unilateral thyroidectomy with central neck dissection from August 2020 to June 2021 were enrolled. The enrolled patients were divided into the ETCA group (n = 73) and the COT group (n = 63). The operative time, intraoperative bleeding volume, number of removed lymph nodes, number of metastatic lymph nodes, postoperative drainage volume, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and complications were analyzed. Then, a systemic review and comprehensive literature search were conducted by using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database up to June 2022. Review Manager software version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

The results of clinical data showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the operative time, intraoperative bleeding volume, removed lymph nodes, and postoperative drainage volume. There were no statistical differences in the length of postoperative hospital stay, number of metastatic lymph nodes, postoperative PTH level, and complications. In the systematic review and meta-analysis, 2,153 patients from fourteen studies (including our data) were ultimately included. The results of the meta-analysis found that ETCA had a longer operative time, larger postoperative drainage volume, and lower intraoperative bleeding volume. In terms of the length of postoperative hospital stay, the number of removed lymph nodes, and surgical complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

ETCA poses lower surgical bleeding and better cosmetic appearance compared with COT, while the length of operation and postoperative drainage in ETCA is less favorable compared with COT. In addition, ETCA is not inferior to COT in terms of the postoperative hospitalization stay, the number of removed lymph nodes, and surgical complications. Given its overall advantages and risks, ETCA is an effective and safe alternative for patients with cosmetic concerns.

Remote Access Thyroid Surgery: A Review of Literature

Since the first description of endoscopic thyroid lobectomy in 1997, a variety of techniques have been developed to avoid the visible cervical scar conventionally been associated with thyroidectomy. These "remote access" approaches, which typically use either endoscopic or robotic instrumentation, have successfully avoided the anterior neck scar, which has a measurable impact on the patient's quality of life (Graves and Suh Surgery 168(5):845-850, 2020; Sakorafas World J Surg 34(8):1793-1804, 2010). The main advantage of these techniques is better cosmesis compared to conventional transcervical approaches (Graves and Suh Surgery 168(5):845-850, 2020) However, these techniques have failed to gain widespread acceptance in the surgical community because of the technical challenges, scepticism about oncological safety and cost factors. This review presents an overview of the various methods of remote access thyroid surgery (RATS) and also evaluates the selection criteria, oncological efficacy, training requirements and key advantages of this technique.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy in Asian patients: experience from Singapore

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) although well established in Europe has not yet gained widespread acceptance in Asia. We describe our learning experience in the first reported series of 105 cases from Singapore.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of outcomes in 105 patients who underwent MIVAT from April 2011 to 2018 was performed. The inclusion criteria were - symptomatic benign thyroid pathologies and follicular lesions or neoplasms needing a hemi-thyroidectomy. A thyroid lobe volume less than 35 mL was used as cut-off. Patients underwent surgeon-performed thyroid ultrasound with biopsy of solid nodules. All cases were operated by one surgeon using standard Miccoli technique with energy device used in all cases.

RESULTS

From a total of 424 patients with nodular goitres undergoing thyroidectomy, 105 (24%) symptomatic eligible patients underwent the MIVAT procedure (M:F - 23:82). The mean incision lengths at start and completion were 1.7 cm (range 1.5-2 cm) and 2.4 cm (range 2-2.7 cm), respectively. Mean operating time was 97 min (range 59-160 min). There were four conversions (3.8%) in the first 25 cases and four patients (3.8%) experienced transient hoarseness with full recovery. Visual analogue pain scores at 6 and 24 h post-operatively were 2.7 and 1.1, respectively. Scar satisfaction was reported as excellent (75%), satisfactory (23%) and poor (2%).

CONCLUSION

Although technically more demanding, MIVAT is a safe and useful operation in a thyroid surgeon's armamentarium. The limitation of goitre size, however, allows only a small percentage of symptomatic patients to undergo this procedure.

Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy: Analysis of Complications From a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is considered a safe and effective option. However, its complication rate has not been specifically discussed yet. The aim of this systematic review was enrolling a large number of studies to estimate early and late complications (transient and definitive, uni- and bilateral laryngeal nerve palsy; transient and definitive hypocalcemia; cervical hematoma; hypertrophic or keloid scar) of MIVAT compared with conventional technique.

METHODS

The review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria in PubMed and Embase. Search terms were "minimally invasive," "video-assisted," and "thyroidectomy." We enrolled randomized clinical trials, nonrandomized trials, and noncontrolled trials.

RESULTS

Thirty-two articles were considered suitable. Complication rate of MIVAT was quite similar to conventional technique: only one randomized trial found a significant difference concerning overall skin complication, and a single trial highlighted hypocalcemia significantly increased in MIVAT, concerning serologic value only. No difference concerning symptomatic nor definitive hypocalcemia was found.

CONCLUSIONS

We can confirm that MIVAT is a safe technique. It should be adopted in mean-high-volume surgery centers for thyroidectomy, if a strict compliance with indication was applied.

Complete endoscopic radical resection of thyroid cancer via an oral vestibule approach

The aim of the present study was to explore the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of complete endoscopic radical resection of thyroid cancer via an oral vestibule approach. A total of 60 patients with unilateral thyroid papillary carcinoma were divided into two groups. Half of them underwent complete endoscopic surgeries via an oral vestibule approach at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Fujian Cancer Hospital between November 2014 and December 2016. The other 30 patients underwent traditional open surgeries. All the patients underwent unilateral lobectomy and central neck dissection. Tumor diameter, surgery duration, intraoperative inflation pressure and end-tidal CO₂ flow rate, intraoperative peak value of the partial pressure of end-tidal CO₂, postoperative extubation time, the number of lymph nodes in the specimens of central neck dissection and postoperative complications were noted. From this data, tumor diameter (T stage of tumor), surgery duration, postoperative extubation time, the number of lymph nodes in the specimens of central neck dissection and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. In the endoscopic group, 1 patient had a tracheal injury, and 1 patient had a submental skin perforation. Furthermore, 17 patients experienced transient numbness of the lower lip, 5 patients experienced an abnormal increase in the partial pressure of end-tidal CO₂, and 2 patients experienced postoperative headache. No recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, postoperative bleeding, or infection was determined. There were no significant differences in all items of the indexes, compared with those patients who underwent open radical surgery. The lymph nodes from region VI may be well exposed and completely removed through this novel procedure with no visible scars, which not only ensured the surgery criterion was met, but also met the cosmetic requirements of the patients. The present study conducted procedures safely by surgeons highly skilled in performing laparoscopic surgery.

A paired comparison analysis of third-party rater thyroidectomy scar preference

OBJECTIVE

To determine the length and position of a thyroidectomy scar that is cosmetically most appealing to naïve raters.

METHODS

Images of thyroidectomy scars were reproduced on male and female necks using digital imaging software. Surgical variables studied were scar position and length. Fifteen raters were presented with 56 scar pairings and asked to identify which was preferred cosmetically. Twenty duplicate pairings were included to assess rater reliability. Analysis of variance was used to determine preference.

RESULTS

Raters preferred low, short scars, followed by high, short scars, with long scars in either position being less desirable (p < 0.05). Twelve of 15 raters had acceptable intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.

CONCLUSION

Naïve raters preferred low, short scars over the alternatives. High, short scars were the next most favourably rated. If other factors influencing incision choice are considered equal, surgeons should consider these preferences in scar position and length when planning their thyroidectomy approach.

Short and long-term cosmesis of cervical thyroidectomy scars

Introduction Multiple surgical approaches to the thyroid gland have been described via cervical or extracervical routes. Improved cosmesis, patient satisfaction, reduced pain (procedure dependent) and early discharge have all been reported for minimally invasive approaches with similar safety profiles and long-term outcomes to conventional surgery. This review summarises the current evidence base for improved cosmesis with minimally invasive cervical approaches to the thyroid gland compared with conventional surgery. Methods A systematic review was undertaken. The MEDLINE(®), Embase™ and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles. Results A total of 57 papers thyroid papers were identified. Of those, 20 reported some form of cosmetic outcome assessment. There were 6 randomised controlled trials with 412 patients (evidence level 2B), 7 cohort studies with 3,073 patients (level 3B) and 7 non-comparative case series with 1,575 patients (level 4). There was significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of wound closure technique, timing of scar assessment and scar assessment scales (validated and non-validated). Most studies performed early scar assessments, some using non-validated scar assessment tools. Conclusions Assessment of cosmesis is complex and requires rigorous methodology. Evidence from healing/remodelling studies suggests scar maturation is a long-term process. This calls into question the value of early scar assessment. Current evidence does not support minimally invasive surgical approaches to the thyroid gland if improved long-term cosmesis is the goal.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: reflections after more than 2400 cases performed

BACKGROUND

The minimally invasive video-assisted approach was developed for primary hyperparathyroidism in 1997 and the year after for thyroid disease. Since then, the technique has been adopted worldwide, and indications moved from the initial benign disease to low-risk and intermediate-risk carcinoma, demonstrating a level of oncologic radicality comparable to the conventional open approach when inclusion criteria are strictly respected.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2014, 2412 minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomies (MIVAT) were performed in our department. The indication for surgery in 825 patients (34.3 %) was a malignant tumor, in particular, a papillary carcinoma in 800 patients. Among them, 528 patients operated on between 2000 and 2009 had a mean complete follow-up of 7.5 (standard deviation, 2.3) years.

RESULTS

A total thyroidectomy was performed in 1788 patients (74.1 %) and a hemithyroidectomy in 564 (23.4 %). Also performed was central compartment lymphadenectomy in 31 patients (1.3 %) and parathyroidectomy for the presence of a solitary parathyroid adenoma in 29 (1.2 %). Mean duration of the procedure was 41 (standard deviation, 14) minutes. After a mean follow-up of 7. 5 years, 528 patients who underwent MIVAT for low-risk or intermediate-risk papillary carcinoma presented a cure rate of 85 % (undetectable thyroglobulin), comparable with the 80 % rate reported in patients who had undergone open thyroidectomy during the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

After a long experience and a considerable number of procedures performed in a single center, MIVAT is confirmed as a safe operation, with a complication rate comparable with open thyroidectomy. MIVAT offers a cure rate for the treatment of low-risk and intermediate-risk malignancies that is comparable with an open procedure when inclusion criteria are strictly respected.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: Ascending the learning curve

BACKGROUND:

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is a technically demanding procedure and requires a surgical team skilled in both endocrine and endoscopic surgery. The aim of this report is to point out some aspects of the learning curve of the video-assisted thyroid surgery, through the analysis of our preliminary series of procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Over a period of 8 months, we selected 36 patients for minimally invasive video-assisted surgery of the thyroid. The patients were considered eligible if they presented with a nodule not exceeding 35 mm and total thyroid volume <20 ml; presence of biochemical and ultrasound signs of thyroiditis and pre-operative diagnosis of cancer were exclusion criteria. We analysed surgical results, conversion rate, operating time, post-operative complications, hospital stay and cosmetic outcomes of the series.

RESULTS:

We performed 36 total thyroidectomy and in one case we performed a consensual parathyroidectomy. The procedure was successfully carried out in 33 out of 36 cases (conversion rate 8.3%). The mean operating time was 109 min (range: 80-241 min) and reached a plateau after 29 MIVAT. Post-operative complications included three transient recurrent nerve palsies and two transient hypocalcemias; no definitive hypoparathyroidism was registered. The cosmetic result was considered excellent by most patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Advances in skills and technology allow surgeons to easily reproduce the standard open total thyroidectomy with video-assistance. Although the learning curve represents a time-consuming step, training remains a crucial point in gaining a reasonable confidence with video-assisted surgical technique.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer: a prospective 5-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) was initially introduced for the treatment of selected patients who met certain thyroid volume, nodule size and pathological criteria. Recent studies indicate that the completeness of resection of malignant nodules is comparable to that obtained with conventional thyroidectomy.

AIMS

To compare the 5-year outcomes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) treated with MIVAT versus conventional thyroidectomy.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study conducted over 2 years (July 2005-June 2007), 172 patients with node-negative, nonmetastatic PTC underwent either MIVAT (n = 67) or conventional thyroidectomy (n = 105). Study outcomes were 1) the cumulative dose of radioactive iodine (RAI) to achieve a disease-free state, defined as a stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level &lt;2 ng/mL with negative Tg antibody and no tumor on a whole-body scan or cross-sectional imaging, and 2) the 5-year serum Tg level.

RESULTS

The clinical parameters of the MIVAT and conventional thyroidectomy groups were comparable except for age (mean 43 ± 12 vs. 59 ± 17 years, respectively; p = 0.03) and operative time (mean 69 ± 24 vs. 53 ± 16 minutes, p = 0.02); the mean tumor size was similar between groups (1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.6 ± 0.9 cm, p = 0.14). Surgical morbidity was similar in both groups. Median follow-up was 5 years. RAI dose (mean 72 ± 38 vs. 96 ± 47 mCu, p = 0.34) and serum Tg at 5 years (mean 0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.5 ± 0.3 ng/mL, p = 0.30) were not significantly different between the MIVAT and conventional thyroidectomy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MIVAT can be safely utilized in patients with localized PTC, providing comparable completeness of resection and oncological outcome to conventional thyroidectomy.

Video assisted thoracoscopic thyroidectomy for retrosternal goitre

INTRODUCTION

Thyroidectomy for retrosternal goitre is usually carried out through a cervical incision. Around 4-12% of patients, however, require an extracervical approach, usually by sternotomy. Anatomically, the thyroid extends deep behind the great vessels in the pretracheal fascia. A sternotomy is therefore not only a substantial incision but this anterior approach is also not ideal for exposure. We report the use of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) instead of a sternotomy or thoracotomy in conjunction with a transverse cervical incision for these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out of seven patients with retrosternal goitre who underwent a VATS thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with retrosternal goitre were referred to our institution for surgical excision with the anticipation of requiring an extracervical incision. Of these, seven (median age: 68 years, range: 58-73 years) underwent a VATS thyroidectomy. The median operating time was 218 minutes (range: 120-240 minutes). The median diameter of the retrosternal goitre was 70 mm (range: 40-145 mm). Only one patient required conversion to a manubriotomy to deliver the bulky thyroid and one patient suffered a transient right recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. The median postoperative pain scores for days 0 and 1 were 1 (range: 0-5) and 0 (range: 0-3) respectively. The median length of stay was 5 days (range: 3-7 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of VATS in thyroidectomy for retrosternal goitre offers a minimally invasive approach resulting in less morbidity while affording excellent exposure. </sec>

[Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: establishment in a thyroid center]

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively evaluated a series of patients who underwent minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) during the introduction stage of this surgical technique at the Martha-Maria Hospital in Nuremberg.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The eligibility criteria for MIVAT were a thyroid volume < 25 ml, nodules < 30 mm, no thyroiditis, no preoperative evidence of carcinoma and no previous neck surgery. A retrospective evaluation was performed together with a control group of patients who underwent conventional thyroid surgery during the same time period and included a follow-up for general patient satisfaction and cosmetic results.

RESULTS

Between August 2008 and July 2009 a total of 55 patients underwent MIVAT including 8 conversions to open surgery and 45 patients who underwent conventional surgery served as matched controls. No significant differences in terms of perioperative complication rates were found (e.g. recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcemia or secondary hemorrhage). The mean operating time was significantly longer in the MIVAT group (96.8 ± 3.7 min vs. 69.8 ± 2.3 min, p = 0.001) whereas a significant decrease in the mean operating time for hemithyroidectomy after 5 months was observed (98.1 ± 3.77 min vs. 76.0 ± 4.98 min, p = 0.013). Patients in the MIVAT group were more satisfied with the cosmetic outcome (8.5 ± 0.3 vs. 8.2 ± 0.2, p = 0.05) as well as with the overall surgical procedure (9.0 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.2, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

During introduction of the MIVAT procedure a learning effect can be observed which is hallmarked by a decrease in operating time and conversion rate to open surgery. Moreover, no significant differences in terms of main postoperative complications were found so that MIVAT can be considered a safe and feasible technique under the conditions of correct eligibility criteria.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: experience of 200 cases in a single center

Introduction

Minimally invasive techniques in thyroid surgery including video-assisted technique originally described by Miccoli have been accepted in several continents for more than 10 years.

Aim

To analyze our preliminary results from minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and to evaluate the feasibility and effects of this method in a general department over a 4-year period.

Material and methods

Initial experience was presented based on a series of 200 patients selected for MIVAT at the General Surgery Department of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital affiliated with Qingdao University during the period from May 2008 to June 2012. The enrolling criteria were rigorously observed. An above sternal incision with average length of 2.5 cm (1.5–3.0 cm) was made. Clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, cosmetic results and complications were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All patients received general anesthesia. Thyroid unilateral lobectomy was successfully accomplished in 108 cases, total thyroidectomy in 84, and partial lobectomy in 8. Conversion to standard conventional thyroidectomy was required in 6 patients (3%) because of thyroiditis and bleeding. The mean lymph node yield of the cancer specimens was 3.6 per patient. Permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy occurred in 1 case (0.5%), transient unilateral RLN palsy in 6 patients (3.0%, complete recovery after 1–6 months), and transient hypocalcemia in 7 patients (3.5%). No definitive hypocalcemia was observed. No postoperative hematomas occurred. Postoperative pain was endurable. The cosmetic result was excellent in most cases.

Conclusions

The MIVAT is feasible and safe in selected patients, with better results comparable to conventional thyroidectomy. The MIVAT can also be performed in a general surgery department.

Minimally invasive compared with conventional thyroidectomy for nodular goitre

Since minimally invasive thyroidectomy was introduced in 1997, different surgical approaches to the thyroid have been described: the minimal neck incision and the anterior chest, areolar breast or axillary access. Whereas conventional open thyroidectomy is suitable for any thyroid disease, minimal neck incision thyroidectomy or extracervical scarless neck thyroidectomy are limited to small-volume disease. In 11 prospective randomized studies and six systematic reviews, minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy via a central or lateral neck approach afforded better cosmesis in the first 3 months than conventional open thyroidectomy, with less postoperative pain for the first 48 h. Surgical morbidity did not differ in these limited studies. No head-to-head comparison is available for extracervical scarless neck thyroidectomy and conventional open thyroidectomy. Extracervical scarless neck thyroidectomy caused more postoperative pain and gave rise to complications not seen with minimal neck incision thyroidectomy or conventional open thyroidectomy. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, conventional open thyroidectomy continues to remain the gold standard for any nodular goitre.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: tips and pearls for the surgical technique

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were first to show principles of the minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT), based on a video highlighting critical steps, and second to discuss tips and pearls to assist surgical teams that would like to start using this technique.

METHODS

Based on a video, we described tips and pearls of a MIVAT.

RESULTS

MIVAT includes 5 main steps: (1) skin incision and identification of the common carotid artery, (2) dissection and ligation of the upper pedicle, (3) identification of the inferior laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands, (4) isthmectomy and lobe extraction, and (5) closure.

DISCUSSION

Coordination between the surgeon and the 2 assistants is of paramount importance for the performance of MIVAT. Appropriate material is also required. The magnification and tissue contrast emphasizes the identification of the vessels, the superior and inferior laryngeal nerves, and parathyroid glands, on a large-view screen.

Systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials comparing minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and conventional thyroidectomy (CT)

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has gained acceptance among surgeons as its feasibility has been well documented. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis has been to assess and validate the safety and feasibility of MIVAT when compared to conventional thyroidectomy (CT) and to verify other potential benefits and drawbacks.

METHODS

A literature search for prospective randomized trials comparing MIVAT and CT was performed. Trials were reviewed for the primary outcome measures: overall morbidity, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, postoperative hypocalcemia, and postoperative hematoma; and for the secondary outcome measures: operative time, conversion to standard procedure, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative drain insertion, nodule size and thyroid weight, postoperative pain evaluation, length of hospital stay, patient satisfactory score, and cosmetics results. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for continuous variables and odds ratio for qualitative variables.

RESULTS

Nine prospective randomized studies comparing MIVAT and CT were analyzed. Overall, 581 patients were randomized to either MIVAT (289, 49.7 %) or CT (292, 50.3 %). The primary outcome measures of MIVAT were comparable with those of CT without statistically significant difference. Patients who underwent MIVAT experienced significantly less pain than those operated on conventionally during the whole postoperative period. Patient satisfactory score significantly favored MIVAT (9.0 vs. 6.8, SMD = -3.388, 95 % CI = -5.720 to -1.057). Operative time was significantly longer in MIVAT (75.2 vs. 59.2 min, SMD = 1.246, 95 % CI = 0.227-2.266).

CONCLUSIONS

MIVAT is a safe and feasible alternative for the removal of small-volume benign thyroid disease and low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas showing better cosmetics results and less postoperative pain but significantly longer operative time when compared to CT. New multicenter randomized studies are needed to evaluate the technique in more complex circumstances such as intermediate-risk thyroid cancer, lymph node removal, thyroiditis, and Graves' disease.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for the early-stage differential thyroid carcinoma

Background

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT), the modified Miccoli’s thyroid surgery, is the most widespread minimally invasive technique and has been widely used for treatment of thyroid disease. This study aimed to verify the potential benefits of the modified Miccoli’s thyroid surgery, determine the feasibility of the MIVAT for early-stage differential thyroid carcinoma and evaluate the likelihood of the surgical method as a standard operation for early malignant thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 135 patients were retrospectively compared which included two groups of patients: the first group underwent the conventional thyroidectomy; the other group underwent MIVAT. Patients with thyroid nodule smaller than 20 mm and without previous neck surgery were included while those with wide-ranging and distant metastases of cervical tissues, or any suspected thyroid nodal metastases were excluded for analysis. MIVAT and the central compartment (level VI) lymph nodes dissection (LND) were considered as a new treatment method for this retrospective study. In addition to the comparison of surgical outcomes between the new treatment and the conventional thyroid surgery, other surgical parameters including operative time, operative volume of hemorrhage, incisional length, postoperative volume of drainage, length of hospitalization, accidence of hoarse voice, accidence of bucking, accidence of hypocalcemia and peak angle of cervical axial rotation were also compared.

Results

Out of 135 patients, 111 patients underwent conventional thyroid surgery and 24 patients underwent MIVAT plus level VI LND for treatment of early-stage differential malignant carcinoma. Patients who received the new surgical treatment had significantly shorter incisional length (3.1 cm vs. 6.9 cm, p < 0.0001), shorter operative time (109 min vs. 139 min, p = 0.014) and fewer operative hemorrhage (29.5 ml vs. 69.7 ml, p < 0.0001) when compared to the conventional treatment. Postoperative peak angle of cervical axial rotation of patients treated with MIVAT was less than those treated with conventional surgery (L: 31.5° vs. 39.0°, p < 0.0001; R: 31.5° vs. 38.0°, p < 0.0001). Incisional wound infection, postoperative hoarse voice, bucking and hypocalcemia were not observed in all patients. Postoperative analgetica was not required as well.

Conclusions

Compared with conventional thyroid surgery for early-stage differential thyroid carcinoma, the new surgical treatment could be considered as an alternative surgical method for treatment of early-stage thyroid carcinoma since it was feasible, safe and clinically effective with better surgical and cosmetic outcomes.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: Learning curve in terms of mean operative time and conversion and complication rates

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively included in groups corresponding to their surgical order (10 patients in each group).

RESULTS

The mean operation times between 2 neighboring groups were 33.9 minutes longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p = .01) and 25.8 minutes longer in group 3 than in group 4 (p = .002). The conversion rate for technical difficulties in group 1 was 6% (3 of 50). The definitive complication rate was 2% (1 of 50).

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of operative time, 10 patients represented the early stage of the learning curve, and 30 patients represented the number of procedures required to reach an advanced level of skill. Considering the low conversion and complication rates, improved aesthetic results and postoperative course, MIVAT should become a tool in the repertoire of high-volume thyroid surgeons.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: seven-year experience with 240 cases

Introduction

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has gained acceptance in recent years as an alternative to conventional thyroid surgery.

Aim

Assessment of our 7-year experience with MIVAT.

Material and methods

A retrospective study of 240 consecutive patients who underwent MIVAT at our institution between 01/2004 and 05/2011 was conducted. The inclusion criterion was a single thyroid nodule below 30 mm in diameter within the thyroid of 25 ml or less in volume. The exclusion criteria were previous thyroid or parathyroid surgery, T2 or higher thyroid cancer, N1 stage, and thyroiditis. The Miccoli technique was used. The analysis included indications, eligibility rate, operative time, morbidity and cosmetic effects.

Results

Of 6,574 patients referred for thyroid surgery, 240 (3.6%) were eligible for MIVAT. In the final pathology report, there were 206 follicular adenomas, 21 papillary thyroid cancers, 9 cases of Graves’ disease and 4 follicular cancers. Reasons for exclusion were as follows: thyroid volume above 25 ml in 5401 (85.3%), thyroid cancer larger than stage T1 in 392 (6.2%), thyroiditis in 358 (5.6%), and previous neck surgery in 183 patients (2.9%). Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy operations consisted of 210 lobectomies and 30 total thyroidectomies, including 15 one-stage parathyroidectomies. Mean operative time was 38.6 ±15.1 min. Transient versus permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was found in 8 (3.0%) vs. 2 (0.7%) nerves at risk, respectively. Cosmetic effects were assessed after 1 and 6 months of follow-up as very good or excellent by 89.6% and 95.8% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy is suitable for surgeons experienced in thyroid and video-assisted surgery. It is feasible for well-selected patients including cases of T1 thyroid cancer, Graves’ disease and concomitant parathyroid adenoma.