Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy 2.0: expanded indications in a tertiary care cancer center

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) advantages include a smaller incision, less extensive surgical dissection, improved visualization secondary to rigid fiberoptics, and decreased postoperative pain. The aims of our study were to report our experience using expanded indications of MIVAT.

A retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's initial experience was carried out at a tertiary academic cancer center.

In all, 53 patients were identified, of whom 40 underwent total thyroidectomy and 13 underwent hemithyroidectomy. Thyroid volume, nodule size, incision length, and surgical time were all examined. Most common pathology was well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer (69.8%): 42% of patients had evidence of thyroiditis found on pathology; 17% of patients had temporary vocal cord paralysis, with only 1 case of vocal cord paralysis persisting >6 months (1.9%). Six patients (11%) experienced temporary hypocalcemia, requiring postoperative calcium supplementation; no patients experienced permanent hypocalcemia.

The use of MIVAT with expanded indications shows complication rates comparable to those of traditional open thyroidectomy.