Minimally invasive thyroid cancer surgery

The aim of this paper was to explore the appro-priateness and outcomes of minimally invasive thyroid surgery for the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. The study is a planned analysis of a prospectively main-tained patient database representing a consecutive, single-surgeon experience. A sys-tematic review was undertaken of a series of patients undergoing minimally access surgery for well-differentated thyroid cancer. Compre-hensive demographic data were considered, including age, gender, pathologlc findings, complications, and oncologic outcomes. Ninety-two patients with thyroid cancer (mean age =45.6 years) underwent minimally invasive or endoscopic thyroidectomy over a five-year peri-od. Surgical pathology revealed papillary cancer in 76 patients, follicular cancer in 10 patients, Hurthle cell cancer in 3 patients and medullary cancer in 3 patients. There have been no recurrences in any of these patients thus far (with a short median follow-up of 31 months). Excellent cosmetic results have been observed with this minimal access approach. Minimally invasive and endoscopie thyroidectomy can be safely and effectively performed in many patients with low-or intermediate-risk thyroid cancer. In addition to improved cosme-sis, many patients experience decreased pain and faster recovery, and are at no increased risk for complications in the hands of high-volume thyroid surgeons.