Feasibility and safety of minimal-incision thyroidectomy for Graves' disease: a prospective, single-center study.
BACKGROUND
The role of minimally invasive surgery in Graves' disease is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing minimal-incision thyroidectomy with those undergoing conventional thyroidectomy for Graves' disease.


METHODS
A prospective study was performed on 148 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Seventy-one patients underwent minimal-incision thyroidectomy and 77 underwent conventional thyroidectomy. Minimal-incision thyroidectomy was proposed if the thyroid volume was ≤ 50 mL.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the operative time between minimal-incision thyroidectomy and conventional thyroidectomy. The length of skin incision was significantly shorter in the minimal-incision thyroidectomy than that in the conventional thyroidectomy group. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the 2 groups. Patients undergoing minimal-incision thyroidectomy experienced significantly less postoperative pain and were more satisfied with the cosmetic result than patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimal-incision thyroidectomy is a feasible and safe option for the surgical treatment of selected patients with Graves' disease.
Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, Medical School, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Giuliano
G
Perigli
Etleva
E
Qirici
Benedetta
B
Badii
Aurora
A
Kokomani
Fabio
F
Staderini
Michaela
M
Luconi
Clara
C
Crescioli
Massimo
M
Mannelli
Mario
M
Maggi
Fabio
F
Cianchi
D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*