Cytological assessment of cold thyroid nodules cannot exclude malignancy in
case of follicular tumors. Many follicular nodules undergo surgery althoug
h most of them later on prove to be benign. We report a new minimally invas
ive video-assisted approach (MIVA) for the treatment of thyroid lesions wit
h a diameter minor than 3 cm. Ten females and 2 males (mean age: 37 yr) wit
h a cold thyroid nodule and a cytological diagnosis of microfollicular tumo
r were selected for MIVA hemythyroidectomy. The procedure was carried out t
hrough a 15 mm incision with needlescopic instruments and a 30 infinity 5-m
m endoscope. Mean operative time was 87 min (range 60-120). No complication
s were registered. Cosmetical result was excellent in all patients. MIVA he
mythyroidectomy is safe and effective; indications and limits of this new p
rocedure require further studies. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 22: 849-851, 1999
) (C) 1999, Editrice Kurtis.