Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: expanded indications and oncologic completeness.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has received increasing attention as a technique applicable for a subset of thyroid nodules. METHODS We prospectively assessed 51 MIVAT procedures in 40 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected, relating to indications, outcome, and oncologic completeness. RESULTS Twenty-nine (29) benign and 22 malignant lesions up to 5.9 cm were removed (median, 1.7 cm). All surgical margins of resection were negative. Residual thyroid tissue in the operative bed was assessed by radioiodine uptake in 16 patients (median, 1.76%). Eighty percent (41/51) of procedures were performed on an outpatient basis, and 94% (48/51) did not require a suction drain. No bleeding events or permanent injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred. CONCLUSIONS MIVAT is a safe, thorough, and adaptable procedure. An expanded set of indications makes this procedure available to a broader population of patients.