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Minimally invasive video-assisted versus conventional open thyroidectomy: a systematic review of available data

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Abstract

Purpose

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is now emerging as a novel and less invasive procedure for thyroid diseases. This study conducted a systematic review of the available data to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this new technique over conventional procedure.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials comparing the MIVAT with open thyroidectomy were selected and meta-analyzed.

Results

Nine RCTs involving 730 patients were included and all were restricted to patients with a thyroid nodule no larger than 4 cm and surgery did not involve lymph node dissection. Both procedures were of similar efficacy in nodule resection. Open surgery had a 1.6 times higher rate of postoperative complications than the novel technique, with no significant difference (P = 0.08), especially in transient recurrent nerve palsy (OR = 0.93, P = 0.87). Although longer operative time was required for MIVAT (MD = 15.0 min, P < 0.00001), patients experienced less postoperative pain, especially in the early postoperative period (MD = −11.52, P = 0.0003). There was also a shorter incision length (MD = −2.36 cm, P < 0.00001), better cosmetic results and greater patient satisfaction in the novel technique group (WD = 2.59; P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

MIVAT is a feasible, practical, and safe alternative with better cosmetic benefits, and it can be performed with an ease of manipulation that is similar to that of conventional neck surgery.

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Abbreviations

MIVAT:

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

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Conflict of interest

None of the authors obtained any financial support of any organizations or any companies regarding this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Liver and Vascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Xiang #37, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China

    Jiao Liu & Mingqing Xu

  2. Urology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China

    Turun Song

Authors
  1. Jiao Liu
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  2. Turun Song
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  3. Mingqing Xu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mingqing Xu.

Additional information

Dr. Liu and Dr. Song contributed equally to this article.

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Liu, J., Song, T. & Xu, M. Minimally invasive video-assisted versus conventional open thyroidectomy: a systematic review of available data. Surg Today 42, 848–856 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-012-0130-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-012-0130-z

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