title: Preliminary experience in minimally invasive videoassisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report our initial experience in the treatment of thyroid disease with Minimally Invasive Videoassisted Technique (MIVAT) introduced by Miccoli.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have treated from July to September 2005, 5 patients, with MIVAT. The procedure is carried out through an incision of 15-20 mm 2 cm on sternal notch and the thyroidectomy is performed by dedicated instruments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have surgically treated 3 follicular hyperplasias, one Hurthle adenoma and one papillary carcinoma. The mean time of thyroidectomy was 98 +/- 14 minutes; four cases were discharged after 24 hours and one case after 48 hours for a postoperative hypertension. No hypocalcemia, no nerve palsy. Cosmetic result and postoperative pain were excellent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MIVAT is a safe, reproducible technique with an indication in a minority of patients candidates to thyroidectomy and is characterized by a better postoperative discomfort.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University of Parma, Italy. mailpaolo.delrio@unipr.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Del Rio
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sommaruga
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferreri
authors.forename: Maria Francesca
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Arcuri
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sianesi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery