Comparative study on minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and total endoscopic thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy(MIVAT)and totally endoscopic thyroidectomy(TET). Methods The study included 70 patients undergoing MIVAT and TET at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2012. 46 patients undergoing MIVAT(MIVAT group)and 24 patients undergoing TET(TET group)were analyzed retrospectively. Data of gender, age, operative data, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of stay, feelings of patients and cosmetic effect were collected and analyzed. MIVAT and TET were compared in terms of safety, trauma and cosmetic effect. Results ①About safety: no permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN)palsy and parathyroid injury occurred in either group. One case in MIVAT group and no case in TET group was converted to open surgery(2.2% vs 0%, P>0.05). ②About trauma: the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage amount in the MIVAT group were significantly less than those in the TET group(P 0.05). ③About cosmetic effect: the 2 groups had similar patient satisfaction index. Conclusions The study shows similar results in safety and trauma. The 2 approaches are both safe and valid. Patients using the two approaches are equally satisfied with the cosmetic effect. Key words: Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy; Totally endoscopic thyroidectomy; Safety; Trauma; Cosmetic