Three-dimensional minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: preliminary report

Three-dimensional (3D) minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) was carried out with a 4-mm, 3D 0-degree stereoscopic endoscope. The procedure was applied on 3 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and data were prospectively collected. Operative time for total thyroidectomy ranged from 72 to 90 minutes. Neither intra-nor post-operative complications were reported during the study. The surgical team noticed a good perception of depth and easy recognising of anatomic structures, especially concerning the upper and lower vascular pedicle, the parathyroids, the superior and inferior laryngeal nerves. Preliminary impression emerging from this study seems to suggest that 3D MIVAT is safe and effective. Future studies with larger case series are required to determine the role of this procedure.