Minimally Invasive Radical Thyroidectomy: A Local Preliminary Case series study for large Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Background:

Minimally invasive video assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is a proven method for treating small to moderate sized thyroid swellings. However, its use for excising large goiters, such as those associated with malignant conditions, is not yet well documented.

Methods:

The current local preliminary report was designed to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of MIVAT for the radical excision of large malignant goiters.

This prospective study included patients with large malignant goiters. Patients with huge goiters or retrosternal extensions were excluded. Cervical approach was performed in all MIVAT procedures of the current study.

Results:

The study included twenty-eight patients who were 24 females and only 4 males. All patients were proved by post-operative histopathology to be malignant. They were four of the papillary type and three of follicular type. Gross post-operative weight of all of them was > 100 grams.

Conclusion:

The study highlighted the feasibility of MIVAT on the radical excision of large malignant goiter as a preliminary case series study with a limited cohort. Yet, further studies with more malignant goiters are needed for a realistic assessment of MIVAT in radical thyroidectomy for large/huge thyroid cancers.