Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy: A Review Article

Abstract

Introduction: Various techniques of minimally invasive thyroidectomy (MIT) have been practiced by the surgeons in the recent
past to extrapolate the proven benefi ts of minimal access Surgery even with regard to various diseases of the thyroid gland.
This article aims to review the benefi ts of various techniques of MIT over conventional open thyroidectomy in terms of morbidity,
complication rate, and cosmetic outcome.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study reviewing various articles and publications in reputed magazines by
downloading them using different search engines. Only the material relevant to the objectives of this article was reviewed.
Results: Cosmetic outcomes were excellent, post-operative pain was less, the duration of hospital stay was very much
less with MIT when compared with conventional thyroidectomy. Other complication rates are comparable. Operative times
were signifi cantly longer for MI video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) or Endoscopic thyroidectomy and Robotic endoscopic
thyroidectomy (BABA technique).
Conclusion: MIVAT and MI endoscopic thyroidectomy especially the anterior chest wall approach are safe and effective with
excellent cosmetic outcome in the hands of well-trained Surgeons when compared to conventional thyroidectomy. It is possible
now to remove large nodules and even perform a total thyroidectomy with endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures.