Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease: an evidence-based review

Abstract
Background  A decade after nearly all surgical disciplines developed minimally invasive techniques, the first report of a single case
of minimally invasive thyroidectomy was published. Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is now considered
the most widely practiced and most easily reproducible minimally invasive procedure for thyroidectomy. The aim of this review
was to analyze the treatment of benign thyroid diseases by MIVAT.

Methods  A systematic evidence-based literature review focusing on three questions was carried out. Additional data were obtained on
the basis of our personal experience. (1) Are minimally invasive procedures indicated in the treatment of thyroid diseases?
(2) Is MIVAT a safe technique and what are the demonstrated advantages? (3) Since different thyroid diseases may be treated
by MIVAT, is it of any value in the treatment of benign thyroid diseases?

Results  MIVAT can be considered an appropriate treatment of some thyroid diseases; it represents a safe procedure with the same incidence
of complications as traditional surgery, and also has advantages in terms of both cosmetic result and postoperative distress.

Conclusions  In spite of an increasing trend toward performing more extensive procedures other than thyroidectomy alone during videoscopic
procedures, the current literature seems to reaffirm that the main and safest indication for MIVAT is benign disease.

Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00268-008-9479-yAuthors
Paolo Miccoli, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa ItalyMichele N. Minuto, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa ItalyClara Ugolini, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa ItalyRoberta Pisano, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa ItalyAlessandra Fosso, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa ItalyPiero Berti, University of Pisa Department of Surgery Via Roma 63 56126 Pisa Italy

Journal World Journal of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1432-2323Print ISSN 0364-2313 (Source: World Journal of Surgery)