Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: expanded indications and oncologic completeness
Stephen Y Lai1, Rohan R Walvekar, Robert L Ferris
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has received increasing attention as a technique applicable for a subset of thyroid nodules.
Methods:
We prospectively assessed 51 MIVAT procedures in 40 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected, relating to indications, outcome, and oncologic completeness.
Results:
Twenty-nine (29) benign and 22 malignant lesions up to 5.9 cm were removed (median, 1.7 cm). All surgical margins of resection were negative. Residual thyroid tissue in the operative bed was assessed by radioiodine uptake in 16 patients (median, 1.76%). Eighty percent (41/51) of procedures were performed on an outpatient basis, and 94% (48/51) did not require a suction drain. No bleeding events or permanent injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred.
Conclusions:
MIVAT is a safe, thorough, and adaptable procedure. An expanded set of indications makes this procedure available to a broader population of patients.
