Video-assisted thyroidectomy: report of a 7-year experience in Rome

Background and aims We report on our series of patients selected for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) over a 7-year period.Materials and methods VAT is a gasless procedure performed under endoscopic vision through a single 1×5×2.0-cm skin incision. The eligibility criteria are thyroid nodules ≤35 mm, thyroid volume <30 ml, and no previous conventional neck surgery. Small, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) were considered eligible.Results There were 521 VATs attempted. Conversion was necessary six times (difficult dissection in one case, large nodule size in three, and gross lymph node metastases in two). Thyroid lobectomy was successfully accomplished in 113 cases, total thyroidectomy in 398, and completion thyroidectomy in 14. In 66 patients, the central neck nodes were removed through the same access. Pathology showed benign diseases in 313 cases, PTC in 187, and medullary microcarcinoma in 1. Postoperative complications included 9 transient recurrent nerve palsies, 73 transient hypocalcemias, 3 definitive hypoparathyroidisms, 1 postoperative haematoma, and 2 wound infections. The cosmetic result was excellent. In patients with PTC, no evidence of recurrent disease was shown.Conclusions The indications for VAT are still limited. Nonetheless, in selected patients, it seems a valid option for thyroidectomy and even preferable to conventional surgery because of its significant advantages, especially in terms of cosmetic result.Presented at the International Symposium “Modern Technologies in Thyroid Surgery”, 10–11 February 2006, Halle/Saale, Germany     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT). In this article we report on the entire series of patients who underwent VAT and discuss the results obtained. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-seven patients were selected for VAT. Eligibility criteria were: thyroid nodules of 35 mm or less in maximum diameter; estimated thyroid volume within normal range or slightly enlarged; small, low-risk papillary carcinomas; neither previous neck surgery nor irradiation; and no thyroiditis. After a learning period, VAT was proposed also for completion thyroidectomy (of previous video-assisted lobectomy) and nodules with maximum diameter up to 45 mm. The procedure is performed by a totally gasless video-assisted technique through a single 1.5- to 2.0-cm skin incision. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision using a technique very similar to conventional operation. RESULTS: Fifty-three VATs were attempted on 47 patients. Thirty-three lobectomies, 10 total thyroidectomies, and 6 completion thyroidectomies were successfully performed. Six patients with papillary carcinoma underwent central neck lymph node removal by the same access. Mean operative time was 86.8 minutes for lobectomy, 116.0 minutes for total thyroidectomy, and 77.5 minutes for completion thyroidectomy. Conversion rate was 7.5%. Postoperative complications included one transient recurrent nerve palsy, three transient symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemias, and one wound infection. The cosmetic result was considered excellent by most of the patients who successfully underwent VAT. CONCLUSIONS: VAT is feasible and safe and allows for an excellent cosmetic result. Not all patients are eligible for this procedure, but in selected cases it can be a valid option for the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases.     

Central neck lymph node removal during minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma: a feasible and safe procedure

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) which we proposed using also in patients with small low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes are incidentally found at surgery for PTC. These nodes should be removed because of the risk of metastases. In this paper, we report on the patients in whom we removed enlarged central neck lymph nodes during VAT for PTC and discuss the feasibility and safety of video-assisted central neck lymph node dissection (VALD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The procedure is performed by a totally gasless video-assisted technique through a single 1.5-to 2.0-cm skin incision above the sternal notch. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision using a technique very similar to that of conventional surgery. Only enlarged lymph nodes were removed and sent for frozen section examination (FS). No other dissection was performed in case of negative FS. Five patients underwent VALD during VAT for PTC. RESULTS: The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 2.4. No metastases were found at FS or final histology examination. Postoperative complications included two transient postoperative hypocalcemias. No evidence of residual or recurrent disease was observed at postoperative follow-up. The cosmetic result was excellent. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates that removal of central compartment lymph nodes is feasible and safe. Perhaps also complete central neck lymph node dissection can be performed. Some doubts persist about the oncologic validity of this approach. For definitive conclusions, larger series and comparative studies are necessary.     

Clinical Benefits of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Thyroid Surgery

Background Recently there has been a strong impetus to develop minimally invasive techniques in endocrine neck surgery. This study was designed to investigate the potential benefits of two minimally invasive thyroidectomy procedures, namely video-assisted and open minimal-incision thyroidectomy (VAT and MIT, respectively) when compared with conventional thyroidectomy. Methods Between May 2000 and June 2006, a prospective, nonrandomized study was performed on 957 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Fifty-six (5.8%) patients underwent VAT, 214 (22.4%) underwent MIT, and 687 (71.8%) underwent a conventional procedure. Results Patients were selected for VAT when total thyroid volume was ≤30 ml and for MIT when total thyroid volume was >30 but ≤80 ml as determined by ultrasonography. The length of the central neck skin incision was 1.5–2 cm for VAT, 2.5–3.5 cm for MIT, and 6–10 cm for the conventional operation. The incidence of definitive hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal palsy after VAT or MIT was comparable with that occurring after conventional treatment. Patients having VAT or MIT experienced significantly less postoperative pain than patients undergoing conventional treatment. Less pain was also registered in the VAT patient cohort when compared with the MIT cohort. Patients having VAT or MIT were more satisfied with the cosmetic result than patients who underwent conventional treatment, but no significant differences in patient satisfaction were found between the VAT and MIT groups. Conclusions When compared with conventional treatment, VAT and MIT provided significant benefit in terms of cosmetic results and postoperative pain. Nevertheless, the main limiting factor for minimally invasive thyroid surgery still remains the size of the thyroid. This study was supported by grants from the Italian Ministry of University, Scientific and Technological Research.     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE: In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT). In this paper, we report on the entire series of patients who underwent VAT and discuss the results obtained. METHODS: Seventy-three patients were selected for VAT. Eligibility criteria were: thyroid nodules 相似文献   

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: multiinstitutional experience

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) was described in 1998. In this study we collected the experience of four third-level referral centers that adopted this technique. A total of 336 patients (279 females, 57 males) were selected for MIVAT. Selection criteria were thyroid volume <15 ml, nodules not exceeding 3.5 cm of diameter, and an absence of thyroiditis, previous neck surgery, or previous irradiation. The procedure, totally gasless, is carried out through a 15 mm central incision above the sternal notch. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision using conventional and endoscopic instruments. The mean operating time was 69.4 ± 30.6 minutes for lobectomy (range 20–150 minutes) and 87.4 ± 43.5 minutes for total thyroidectomy (range 30–220 minutes). The mean postoperative stay was 1.9 ± 0.8 days. Postoperative complications were 7 transient and 1 definitive recurrent nerve palsies and 11 cases of hypoparathyroidism (9 transient, 2 definitive). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 15 patients (4.5%). This study confirms in a large number of cases the safety and feasibility of MIVAT, even in different surgical settings where similar results were achieved. The complication rate was not different from that of standard thyroidectomy. Although the operating time appears longer than with conventional procedures, the learning curve demonstrates a sharp decrease with increasing experience and the introduction of new technologies. The number of patients eligible for this approach remains low, thereby limiting its use, but it should be considered a valid option in selected surgical centers, offering some advantages to patients in terms of cosmetic results and postoperative distress.     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background: In patients with small papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), we evaluated the operative feasibility and safety of video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) and the completeness of the surgical resection. Methods: Video-assisted thyroidectomy was attempted in 24 patients with thyroid malignancy. Total thyroid resection for PTC was achieved completely by VAT in 20 of them, who were included in this study. Results: In this study, 12 total thyroidectomies and 8 lobectomies followed by completion thyroidectomies were performed. Eight patients also underwent central neck lymph node dissection. Mean postoperative serum thyroglobulin was 0.2 ng/ml for patients receiving LT4 suppressive treatment and 4.2 ng/ml for patients after LT4 withdrawal. Postoperative ultrasonography showed no residual thyroid tissue. The mean radioiodine uptake at postoperative scintiscan was 2.2%. Conclusions: In the case of PTC, VAT is feasible and safe. The completeness of the surgical resection seems comparable with that reported for conventional surgery. Nevertheless, larger series and longer follow-up evaluation are necessary for definitive conclusions to be drawn about its oncologic validity. This article is based on a communication at the 10th European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (E.A.E.S.) Annual Congress, Lisbon Portugal, 2–5 June 2002     

Comparison of total endoscopic thyroidectomy with conventional open thyroidectomy for treatment of papillary thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite the fact that thyroid surgery has evolved towards minimal incisions and endoscopic approaches, the role of total endoscopic thyroidectomy (TET) in thyroid cancer has been highly disputed. We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of peer reviewed studies in order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TET compared with conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Medical literature databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of science were systematically searched for articles that compared TET and COT in PTC treatment from database inception until March 2019. The quality of the studies included in the review was evaluated using the Downs and Black scale using Review Manager software Stata V.13.0 for the meta-analysis. The systematic review and meta-analysis were based on 5664 cases selected from twenty publications. Criteria used to determine surgical completeness included postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) levels, recurrence of the tumor after long-term follow-up. Adverse event and complication rate scores included transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, permanent RLN palsy, transient hypocalcaemia, permanent hypocalcaemia, operative time, number of removed lymph nodes, length of hospital stay and patient cosmetic satisfaction. TET was found to be generally equivalent to COT in terms of surgical completeness and adverse event rate, although TET resulted in lower levels of transient hypocalcemia (OR 1.66; p < 0.05), a smaller number of the retrieved lymph nodes (WMD 0.46; p < 0.05), and better cosmetic satisfaction (WMD 1.73; p < 0.05). COT was associated with a shorter operation time (WMD − 50.28; p < 0.05) and lower rates of transient RLN palsy (OR 0.41; p < 0.05). The results show that in terms of safety and efficacy, TET was similar to COT for the treatment of thyroid cancer. Indeed, the tumor recurrence rates and the level of surgical completeness in TET are similar to those obtained for COT. TET was associated with significantly lower levels of transient hypocalcemia and better cosmetic satisfaction, and thus is the better option for patients with cosmetic concerns. Overall, randomized clinical trials and studies with larger patient cohorts and long-term follow-up data are required to further demonstrate the value of the TET.     

腔镜辅助与常规甲状腺全切除术后131I清甲疗效的比较

目的:回顾性分析腔镜辅助甲状腺全切除术对甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)病人接受131I清除残留甲状腺(清甲)治疗的影响,并选择与同期接受常规甲状腺全切除术且病情类似的PTC病人131I清甲资料进行比较。方法:纳入本研究的PTC病人共144例,腔镜辅助甲状腺全切除术后(腔镜组)病人66例,常规甲状腺全切除术后(常规组)病人78例,均住院接受131I清甲治疗。对治疗前超声检查、甲状腺功能指标变化及甲状腺球蛋白、治疗后的131I全身扫描等结果进行评价。采用独立样本t检验比较两组在131I清甲治疗前残留甲状腺的差异;随访时间为4～36个月。卡方检验比较两组131I清甲成功率的差异性。结果:131I清甲治疗前腔镜组及常规组残留甲状腺体积分别为(3.8±1.3)mm3和(3.3±1.0)mm3;两者比较无统计学差异(t=1.17;P=0.25)。单次131I清甲成功率腔镜组为72.7%(48/66);常规组为71.8%(56/78),两组间无统计学差异(χ2=0.015;P=0.901);结论:与常规甲状腺全切除术相比,腔镜辅助下甲状腺全切除术对后续的单次131I清甲疗效没有影响。     

“Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy. Initial experience in a general surgery department”

Background and aims  The aim of this study is to analyze our preliminary results from minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and demonstrate the feasibility of MIVAT also in non-referral centers. Materials and methods  We report our initial experience based on a series of 47 patients selected for MIVAT at General Surgery Department of University of Trieste during a period from May 2005 to February 2007. The eligibility criteria were rigorously observed. Age, goiter volume, major diameter of the dominant nodule, operative times, pathologic findings, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, cosmetic results, and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results  Thyroid lobectomy was successfully accomplished in 33 cases, total thyroidectomy in 14. Conversion to standard cervicotomy was required in three patients (6%). Mean operative time of lobectomy was 82.6 min and 118.7 for total thyroidectomy. Postoperative complications included 11 (23.4%) transient hypocalcemias, 2 (4.2%) hematomas, and 2 (4.2%) temporary laryngeal nerve palsies. None-recurrent nerve palsies was observed. The cosmetic result was excellent in most cases. Conclusions  Our experience demonstrates that MIVAT, after adequate training, is feasible and safe, with results comparable to conventional thyroidectomy, also in a General Surgery Department, from a dedicated team, with a sufficient and specific activity volume. The present paper has been exposed to IV National Scientific Meeting of General Surgery residents to Giargini Naxos (Messina, Italy), 25–26 May 2007. (Italy).     

Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy Significantly Reduces the Risk of Early Postthyroidectomy Voice and Swallowing Symptoms

Background Voice and swallowing symptoms are frequently reported after thyroidectomy even in absence of objective voice alterations. We evaluated the influence of the video-assisted approach on voice and swallowing outcome of thyroidectomy. Methods Sixty-five patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) were recruited. Eligibility criteria were: nodule size ≤30 mm, thyroid volume ≤30 ml, no previous neck surgery. Exclusion criteria were: younger than aged 18 years and older than aged 75 years, vocal fold paralysis, history of voice, laryngeal or pulmonary diseases, malignancy other than papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patients were randomized for video-assisted (VAT) or conventional (CT) thyroidectomy. Videostrobolaryngoscopy (VSL), acoustic voice analysis (AVA), and maximum phonation time (MPT) evaluation were performed preoperatively and 3 months after TT. Subjective evaluation of voice (voice impairment score = VIS) and swallowing (swallowing impairment score = SIS) were obtained preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after TT. Results Fifty-three patients completed the postoperative evaluation: 29 in the VAT group, and 24 in the CT group. No laryngeal nerves injury was shown at postoperative VSL. Mean postoperative MPT, F ₀, F _low, F _high, and the number of semitones were significantly reduced in the CT group but not in the VAT group. Mean VIS 3 months after surgery was significantly higher than preoperatively in CT group but not in the VAT group. Mean SIS was significantly decreased 1 and 3 months after VAT but not after CT. Conclusions The incidence and the severity of early voice and swallowing postthyroidectomy symptoms are significantly reduced in patients who undergo VAT compared with conventional surgery. Presented at the ISW2007—IAES free paper session, Montreal, Canada, August 26–30, 2007.     

Minimally invasive video-assisted functional lateral neck dissection for metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma

Functional lateral neck dissection requires a large incision providing adequate exposure of the surgical field. We evaluated the feasibility of minimally invasive video-assisted functional lateral neck dissection (VALNED) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Low-risk PTC patients with lateral neck metastases <2 cm, in absence of any evidence of great vessels involvement, were considered eligible. After accomplishing total thyroidectomy and central neck clearance, dissection was performed under endoscopic vision by using a technique very similar to conventional surgery through the single 4-cm skin incision used for thyroidectomy. Two patients were selected: 1 underwent bilateral and 1 unilateral VALNED. The mean number of the removed nodes was 25 per side. Both patients experienced transient postoperative hypocalcemia. No other complication occurred. No evidence of residual or recurrent disease was found at follow-up. VALNED is feasible, and the results are encouraging. For definitive conclusions, larger series and comparative studies are necessary.     

经胸乳入路内镜手术治疗甲状腺乳头状癌85例临床分析

目的 探讨经胸乳入路内镜手术治疗甲状腺乳头状癌的可行性、有效性及安全性.方法 回顾性分析2006年3月至2010年3月间浙江大学医学院附属第二医院内镜手术治疗的85例甲状腺乳头状癌患者的临床资料.结果 84例患者手术成功,平均手术时间113.3 min.84例均行中央区清扫,其中12例怀疑颈侧区淋巴结转移者加行患侧颈侧区清扫.平均清扫淋巴结数目在中央区为6.5个,在颈侧区为19.2个.6例(7.14%,6/84)出现术后暂时性声音嘶哑,4例(4.76%,4/84)术后发生一过性低血钙症状.随访9～57个月,B超和ECT提示患侧无残留腺体,局部无复发,颈部外观良好,所有患者对手术效果均满意.结论 内镜甲状腺手术治疗严格选择的甲状腺乳头状癌是安全可行的,但其远期效果还有待长期随访观察.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest and breast for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma ( PTC ).Methods Endoscopic thyroidectomy was performed in 85 PTC patients between March 2006 and March 2010. Diagnosis was based on intraoprative frozen section. There were 83 females and 2 males, age averaged at 36. 3 years. Sixty three of 85 cases were diagnosed preoperatively as thyroid carcinoma and US revealed ipsilateral cervical lymph node enlargement suspective of metastasis in 12 cases. Endoscopic thyroidectomy plus selective neck dissection was performed. Results This procedure was carried out successfully in 84patients. There were 51 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas(<1. 0 cm) , 28 cases between 1. 0 cm and<2. 0 cm, and 5 cases with the diameter between 2. 0 cm and 3. 0 cm. Total thyroidectomy, ispilateral lebectomy and ispilateral lebectomy plus contralateral subtotal lobetomy were performed in 4, 6, 74 cases,respectively. Central compartment dissection was performed in all of the 84 cases and ipsilateral neck dissection was also performed in 12 cases that were suspected metastatic lateral neck lymph nodes. The mean operative time was (113. 3 ±46. 5) minutes. No significant blood loss occurred. The mean number of lymph nodes yield in the central compartment and lateral compartment were 6. 5 (range 2 to 14) and 19. 2 (range 9 to 26 ), respectively. Forty-four cases ( 44/84, 52. 4% ) had metastatic lymph nodes in central compartment, while 11 cases (11/12,91.1% ) in lateral compartment. Six patients (6/84,7.14%) had transient vocal cord palsy and recovered after 1-2 months. Postoperative transient hypocalcaemia occurred in 4 cases (4. 8% ) , and there were no other major complications. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3. 7 days (range 3 to 6). No evidence of residual or recurrent disease was found at follow-up. The cosmetic results of this procedure were excellent. Conclusions The anterior chest and breast approach of endoscopic thyroidectomy is feasible and safe and cosmetic worthwhile for selected cases of PTC.     

Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by the Breast Approach: A Single Institution’s 9-year Experience

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy by the breast approach for patients with thyroid diseases. Methods From August 1998 to July 2007, 92 patients with benign thyroid diseases underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy at our institution. Of these patients, 54 underwent thyroid lobectomy for a thyroid nodule, and 38 selected subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease. Results Ninety of the 92 procedures were successfully completed endoscopically. Mean operative time for thyroid lobectomy and subtotal thyroidectomy was 121.1 min and 231.9 min, repectively. Postoperative complications included one wound infection, one transient and one permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, one transient hypocalcemia, and five hypertrophic scars in the right breast medial margin. At 84 months of follow-up, one patient reported paresthesia in the anterior chest and one had experienced swallowing discomfort. Patient satisfaction was recorded as “satisfied,” “equivocal,” and “unsatisfied” in 54, 2, and 0 patients. Mean satisfaction score was 9.7, 9.5, 9.5, and 8.9 points in patients in their teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s, respectively, with an overall mean score of 9.3 points, showing more satisfaction in the young. Conclusions Endoscopic thyroidectomy by the breast approach for patients with thyroid diseases is an effective procedure that allows an excellent cosmetic result.     

Surgery for Graves' Disease: Total versus Subtotal Thyroidectomy—Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

The effect of surgery on Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is still controversial. Retrospective analyses of many authors (including our own group) demonstrated GO improvement after subtotal thyroid resection in up to 70% of operated patients, so the question arose whether total thyroidectomy could add anything to this pronounced positive effect on GO. We therefore performed a prospective randomized trial on 150 patients with Graves' disease (125 women, 25 men; mean thyroid volume 80.5 ml) comparing three surgical procedures (bilateral subtotal thyroid resection—total remnant < 4 ml; unilateral hemithyroidectomy with contralateral subtotal thyroid resection—remnant < 4 ml; total thyroidectomy) and their effect on postoperative GO changes, postoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) antibody titers, and postoperative complication rates. After a period of at least 6 months (6–36 months) GO had improved in 71% to 74% of all patients regardless of whether total or subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. TSH-R antibody titers showed no differences for the three surgical groups. Postoperative recurrent hyperthyroidism occurred in two patients with subtotal resections, and early postoperative hypoparathyroidism was more frequently detected in patients with total thyroidectomy than in those with subtotal thyroid resection (28% vs. 12%; p < 0.002). In respect to possible postoperative hypoparathyroidism and a lack of difference in postoperative GO changes, we do not advocate total thyroidectomy for patients with Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy but prefer radical subtotal thyroid resection with a remnant of less than 4 ml.     

达芬奇机器人治疗肿瘤直径大于2 cm甲状腺癌的临床研究

目的与开放手术相比较,评估经腋乳径路达芬奇机器人甲状腺手术治疗肿瘤直径大于2 cm甲状腺癌的手术安全性和肿瘤彻底性。 方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2018年1月在济南军区总医院通过开放手术或机器人手术治疗肿瘤直径2～4 cm的甲状腺乳头状癌患者的临床资料。 结果本研究包括行机器人甲状腺切除手术患者30例,行开放手术患者45例。机器人手术组与开放手术组的肿瘤直径均在2～4 cm,两组患者均行甲状腺全切及颈部淋巴结清扫术,机器人手术组均顺利完成,无中转开放手术。机器人手术组平均年龄为(36.18 ± 3.5)岁,开放组平均年龄为(45.90 ± 2.2)岁。机器人组平均手术时间为(146.2 ± 30.5) min,显著长于开放组手术时间(95.9 ± 26.2) min (P< 0.001)。两组均未发生永久性喉返神经损伤和甲状旁腺功能减退,两组在术后短暂性喉返神经损伤发生率和甲状旁腺功能减退发生率、术后引流量、住院时间、清扫淋巴结数目比较,差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05)。术后美容效果数字评分系统得分,机器人手术组(9.4 ± 0.4)分,显著优于开放组的(5.2 ± 1.2)分(P< 0.05)。 结论与开放手术相比,对肿瘤直径2～4 cm的甲状腺乳头状癌患者行机器人甲状腺手术可以保证手术安全性和肿瘤切除的彻底性,并且具有更好的美容效果,适合于在意颈部瘢痕的患者。     

Benefits and limits of minimally invasive techniques in thyroid surgery

The present study was designed to investigate the potential benefits and limits of two minimally invasive thyroidectomy procedures, namely minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and open minimal-incision thyroidectomy (MIT). From May 2000 to June 2006, a prospective, non-randomised study was performed on 957 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Fifty-six (5.8%) underwent MIVAT, 214 (22.4%) MIT and 687 (71.8%) conventional thyroidectomy (CT). Patients were selected for MIVAT when total thyroid volume was < or = 30 mL and for MIT when total thyroid volume was > 30 but < or = 80 mL, as determined by ultrasonography. The length of the central neck skin incision was 1.5-2 cm for MIVAT, 2.5-3.5 cm for MIT and 6-10 cm for CT. The incidence of definitive hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal palsy after MIVAT or MIT was comparable to that occurring after CT. Patients undergoing MIVAT or MIT experienced significantly less postoperative pain than those undergoing CT. Less pain was also registered in the MIVAT patient cohort as compared to the MIT group. Patients undergoing MIVAT or MIT were more satisfied with the cosmetic result as compared to those undergoing CT, whereas no significant differences were found between the MIVAT and MIT groups. As compared to CT, MIVAT and MIT provided a significant improvement in terms of cosmetic results and postoperative pain. Nevertheless, the main limiting factor for minimally invasive thyroid surgery still remains the size of the thyroid.     

Thyroid Cancer in Children of Ukraine after the Chernobyl Accident

The results of treatment of 330 children (< 14 years) and adolescents (15–18 years) with thyroid cancer who were operated on at the Institute of Endocrinology after the Chernobyl accident in 1986 were analyzed. The number of young patients increased after 1986 (1981–1985, 9 cases; 1986–1990, 37 cases; 1991–1995, 177 cases; 1996–1998, 116 cases). Most of these children and adolescents were younger than 8 years at the time of the accident (84.2%). More than half of the children (58.1%) lived in areas receiving the highest radiation exposure. These thyroid cancers developed after a short latent period, were more aggressive at presentation, and expressed regional (57.3%) or distant (14.5%) metastasis. Solid papillary cancers were present in 93.1%. Coexisting thyroid conditions were common (thyroid hyperplasia, 25.1%; nodular goiter, 18.8%; chronic thyroiditis, 10.2%). Most patients were treated by total thyroidectomy with intraoperative visualization of recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. When lymph node metastases were identified, a modified neck dissection was performed. Such operations were done in 277 (84.1%) patients. Postoperatively, the patients were treated with radioiodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppressive therapy. Postoperative complications included recurrent nerve palsy in 12.3% and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 6%. Operations for local recurrence of cancer were performed in 2.8% cases and for regional metastasis in 4%. The general mortality was 1.8%. We anticipate that there will be more patients with thyroid cancer during the next few years. Therefore this high risk population for thyroid cancer must be carefully monitored and evaluated during the next several decades.     

High Recurrent Rate of Multicentric Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background  Multicentric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is not unusual in patients with PTC. However, its clinical features concerning cancer recurrence and mortality are not well described. Methods  A total of 1682 PTC patients at a single institution who underwent total thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed; the mean follow-up period was 7.7 ± 0.1 years. Postoperative radioactive iodide ablation for thyroid remnant was performed after surgery for most patients. Results  Of all the PTC cases reviewed, 337 cases (20.0%) were categorized as multicentric PTC. Compared with patients with unifocal PTC, multicentric PTC patients demonstrated older age, advanced TNM staging, and higher recurrence. A higher recurrence rate for multicentric PTC (20.2%) was observed compared with that for unifocal PTC; 45.8% of multicentric PTC cases with ≥ 5 foci experienced cancer recurrence. Mean tumor size of the largest nodule in patients with multicentric PTC was significantly smaller than that found in unifocal PTC. Patients with multicentric papillary microcarcinoma (≤1 cm) had higher recurrence rate and cancer mortality than those with unifocal papillary microcarcinoma. Of the recurrent multicentric PTC cases, 52.9% were persistent or diagnosed within the first year of thyroidectomy and had a cancer-related mortality of 27.8%. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates of multicentric PTC patients were 97.7%, 94.4%, and 84.7%, respectively, which were not statistically different from those of unifocal PTC patients. Conclusions  Multicentric PTC warrant postoperative adjuvant therapy and close surveillance within the first year. Patients with multicentric papillary thyroid microcarcinoma need to be treated as high-risk patients.     

Video-assisted thyroidectomy under local anesthesia

One theoretical limit of video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) was the supposed necessity of general anesthesia. Herein we describe a technique for VAT performed under locoregional anesthesia. Eligibility criteria were small thyroid nodules (<2 cm) in small or normal thyroid glands (thyroid volume < or =20 mL), no previous neck surgery or irradiation, and patient motivation for local anesthesia. VAT using locoregional anesthesia was performed under a superficial cervical block. During the procedure, the patients were completely awake and able to speak with members of the surgical team. Intraoperative and postoperative pain, as evaluated by a visual analogue scale, was usually negligible. No complications occurred. Mean postoperative stay was 26 hours. All of the patients were completely satisfied with the cosmetic result, the procedure, and the surgical outcome. VAT is also feasible and safe under local anesthesia. We are optimistic about the future of this approach, which opens a new frontier for minimally invasive procedures in thyroid surgery.