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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy versus conventional thyroidectomy: a cost-effective analysis
J Kenneth Byrd1, Shaun A Nguyen, Amy Ketcham
1Department of Otolaryngology-Health and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. byrdj@musc.edu
Summary
Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) offers comparable costs to traditional open thyroidectomy. This study found similar total costs, with MIVAT showing reduced pathology expenses for hemithyroidectomy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure for various thyroid conditions.
- Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce surgical morbidity and improve outcomes.
- Cost-effectiveness is a critical factor in evaluating new surgical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the total costs associated with minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and conventional open thyroidectomy.
- To analyze cost components including surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, and pathology.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cost-effectiveness study and chart review was conducted.
- Data from 185 thyroidectomies (hemithyroidectomies and total thyroidectomies) performed between 2006 and 2007 were analyzed.
- Patients undergoing MIVAT were compared with those undergoing traditional or minimally invasive open thyroidectomy.
Main Results:
- Length of stay was significantly shorter for MIVAT hemithyroidectomy but not for total thyroidectomy.
- MIVAT demonstrated significantly lower mean pathology costs for hemithyroidectomy.
- No significant differences were found in mean anesthesia costs, hospital costs, or total costs between MIVAT and open thyroidectomy for either procedure type.
Conclusions:
- The overall cost of MIVAT is comparable to that of open thyroidectomy.
- MIVAT may offer advantages in specific cost components, such as pathology expenses for hemithyroidectomy.
