Meta-analysis of comparison between minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and conventional thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) with conventional thyroidectomy in safety and clinical application.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials comparing the MIVAT with conventional thyroidectomy were ascertained by methodical search using Medline, Embase, Pubmed, and The Cochrane Library. The trials data were extracted and statistical analyzed using STATA 11.0.

RESULTS: Nine trials were identified. Operative time was significantly less with conventional thyroidectomy than with MIVAT, while MIVAT was associated with less pain at 24 hours postoperatively. MIVAT was associated with less scarring and greater cosmetic result. There were no statistically significant differences for the presence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and the presence of transient hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS: MIVAT is a feasible, practical, and safe procedure with cosmetic benefit. It is a promising new technique for modern patients, with benefits over the established surgery.