Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Minimally invasive video assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is currently well documented for treating minimal and moderate size thyroid swelling. Yet, it has not been widely used for excising large goiters. The current preliminary report was designed to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of MIVAT for the radical excision of huge goiters. This is a prospective study for the period of 24 month from January 2015 to February 2017. Patients with huge goiter were included; however, those with retrosternal extensions were excluded. Minimally invasive thyroidectomy through a cervical approach were adopted in all cases. Seven patients underwent this technique they were 6 females 85.7 % and only one male 14.3 %. The mean operative time was 2.4 hours ± 0.3 only one patient was converted into open technique due to hemorrhage. Conclusion: The obtained data of this preliminary report is encouraging to apply this technique as a routine for any case of goiter especially the huge type due to its good results. However, the cost effectiveness should be well calculated.