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BACKGROUND:

In 1998, we developed a technique for video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT). In this article we report on the entire series of patients who underwent VAT and discuss the results obtained.

STUDY DESIGN:

Forty-seven patients were selected for VAT. Eligibility criteria were: thyroid nodules of 35 mm or less in maximum diameter; estimated thyroid volume within normal range or slightly enlarged; small, low-risk papillary carcinomas; neither previous neck surgery nor irradiation; and no thyroiditis. After a learning period, VAT was proposed also for completion thyroidectomy (of previous video-assisted lobectomy) and nodules with maximum diameter up to 45 mm. The procedure is performed by a totally gasless video-assisted technique through a single 1.5-to 2.0-cm skin incision. Dissection is performed under endoscopic vision using a technique very similar to conventional operation.

RESULTS:

Fifty-three …