“minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy. initial experience in a general surgery department”

Abstract
Background and aims  The aim of this study is to analyze our preliminary results from minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and
demonstrate the feasibility of MIVAT also in non-referral centers.

Materials and methods  We report our initial experience based on a series of 47 patients selected for MIVAT at General Surgery Department of University
of Trieste during a period from May 2005 to February 2007. The eligibility criteria were rigorously observed. Age, goiter
volume, major diameter of the dominant nodule, operative times, pathologic findings, postoperative pain, length of hospital
stay, cosmetic results, and complications were retrospectively analyzed.

Results  Thyroid lobectomy was successfully accomplished in 33 cases, total thyroidectomy in 14. Conversion to standard cervicotomy
was required in three patients (6%). Mean operative time of lobectomy was 82.6 min and 118.7 for total thyroidectomy. Postoperative
complications included 11 (23.4%) transient hypocalcemias, 2 (4.2%) hematomas, and 2 (4.2%) temporary laryngeal nerve palsies.
None-recurrent nerve palsies was observed. The cosmetic result was excellent in most cases.

Conclusions  Our experience demonstrates that MIVAT, after adequate training, is feasible and safe, with results comparable to conventional
thyroidectomy, also in a General Surgery Department, from a dedicated team, with a sufficient and specific activity volume.

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00423-008-0325-3Authors
Chiara Dobrinja, Hospital of Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Division of Clinical Surgery Strada di Fiume 447 34149 Trieste ItalyGiuliano Trevisan, Hospital of Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Division of Clinical Surgery Strada di Fiume 447 34149 Trieste ItalyGennaro Liguori, Hospital of Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Division of Clinical Surgery Strada di Fiume 447 34149 Trieste Italy

Journal Langenbeck's Archives of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1435-2451Print ISSN 1435-2443 (Source: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery)