English

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The conventional technique of thyroidectomy normally requires a long skin incision and wide skin flaps on the anterior neck. The target of Minimal invasive surgery is to achieve the same results as those obtained with traditional surgery, less trauma, better postoperative course and improved cosmetic results. The aim of this Prospective Cohort study is to compare Small Incision (3.5-4cm) Thyroidectomy with conventional large incision Thyroidectomy with respect to post-op complications & Cosmesis. Most of the patients were in the age group 30-50yrs. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to complications, which were Hematoma (6%), Seroma (25%), Hypocalcemia (52.5%)[Transient (37%), Permanent (15%)], Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Involvement (33%) [Complete (6%)]. The scar in Small Incision surgery was cosmetically far better compared to the large incision Surgery & this difference was statistically significant. This technique not recommended in huge goiter, Retro-sternal goiter, thryroiditis and malignant thyroid. We believe that MINET can be an alternative to the classic approach in selected cases, but cannot be recommended as a standard therapy. Study on a large number of patients and longer follow up periods is recommended.