Volume 35, Issue 8 pp. 1078-1082
Original Article

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: Learning curve in terms of mean operative time and conversion and complication rates

Yoann Pons MD

Corresponding Author

Yoann Pons MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

Service d'ORL Chirurgie Cervicofaciale, Hôpital Lariboisière, 2 Rue Ambroise Paré, 75010 Paris, FranceSearch for more papers by this author
Benjamin Vérillaud MD

Benjamin Vérillaud MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Jean–Philippe Blancal MD

Jean–Philippe Blancal MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Elisabeth Sauvaget MD

Elisabeth Sauvaget MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Tam Cloutier MD

Tam Cloutier MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Nicolas Le Clerc MD

Nicolas Le Clerc MD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Philippe Herman MD, PhD

Philippe Herman MD, PhD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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Romain Kania MD, PhD

Romain Kania MD, PhD

Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France

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First published: 12 July 2012
Citations: 25

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively included in groups corresponding to their surgical order (10 patients in each group).

Results

The mean operation times between 2 neighboring groups were 33.9 minutes longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p = .01) and 25.8 minutes longer in group 3 than in group 4 (p = .002). The conversion rate for technical difficulties in group 1 was 6% (3 of 50). The definitive complication rate was 2% (1 of 50).

Conclusions

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

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