[Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for treatment of benign thyroid nodules]

This study aims to evaluate patients who underwent minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in the light of literature data.

Between May 2008 and February 2009, 20 patients (18 females, 2 males; mean age 44.5±13.6 years; range 23 to 68 years) who underwent MIVAT using a 4 mm and 30° rigid endoscope and ultrasonic scalpel for dissected the main thyroid vessels were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were benign thyroid nodules of <30 mm and ultrasonographically thyroid volume of <20 ml.

The mean length of incision was 2.6±0.5 cm, the mean operation time was 111.7±39.7 min and the mean amount of bleeding was 82.8±84.1 cc. A statistically significantly positive relationship was found between the operation time and the nodule size and the amount of bleeding and also between the length of the incision and cosmetic satisfaction scale scores (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the operation time and postoperative pain and between the length of incision and postoperative pain (p>0.05). Although 30% of the patients had mild to moderate pain, 50% had moderate pain and 20% had severe pain in the early postoperative period, no patient had pain in the postoperative third day. No postoperative persistent vocal cord paralysis was observed in the patients.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy is a safe and useful approach in the treatment of the patients with benign thyroid nodules.