Minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy: Learning curve in terms of mean operative time and conversion and complication rates. Issue 8 (12th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pons, Yoann; Vérillaud, Benjamin; Blancal, Jean–Philippe; Sauvaget, Elisabeth; Cloutier, Tam; Le Clerc, Nicolas; Herman, Philippe; Kania, Romain
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 35:Issue 8(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1078
• Page End: 1082
• Publication Date: 2012-07-12
• Subjects: Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="abs1-1" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-2" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively included in groups corresponding to their surgical order (10 patients in each group).</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-3" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The mean operation times between 2 neighboring groups were 33.9 minutes longer in group 1 than in group 2 (<italic>p</italic> = .01) and 25.8 minutes longer in group 3 than in group 4 (<italic>p</italic> = .002). The conversion rate for technical difficulties in group 1 was 6% (3 of 50). The definitive complication rate was 2% (1 of 50).</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-4" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>In terms of operative time, 10 patients represented the early stage of the learning curve, and 30 patients represented the number of procedures required to reach an advanced level of skill. Considering the low conversion and complication rates, improved aesthetic results and postoperative course, MIVAT should become a tool in the repertoire of high‐volume thyroid surgeons. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013</p> </sec> </abstract>