Video-assisted thyroidectomy performed in a one-day surgery setting

Background and aim: Evidence base data have demonstrated that video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) has good results regarding safety, morbidity, patient cure rate, pain and cosmesis. Aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of VAT in an ambulatory setting (i.e. one-day surgery, <24-h stay). Materials and methods: Between September 2007 and July 2008, 43 patients underwent VAT in a one-day surgery division. Patient selection criteria for VAT were: thyroid nodules <30 mm, gland volume <20 ml, no history of thyroiditis or neck surgery or irradiation, "low risk" papillary carcinoma and absence of enlarged lymph nodes. One-day surgery patient selection criteria were medical and social logistic (Materazzi G, et al. Eur Surg Res 2007;39:182-8). Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was used for RLN identification. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were determined early postoperatively at +6-h. Postoperative complications, conversion rate were analyzed. Results: No cases required conversion to open surgery or ordinary recovery (i.e. >24h). Incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was 11.6% (5/43) with no case of symptomatic hypocalcemia. Incidence of temporary RLN injury was 2.3% (1 patient) with no case of permanent or bilateral RLN injury. All patients were satisfied with the type of recovery. Conclusions: This preliminary report is an example of the safe incorporation between new technologies (IONM, early iPTH measurement) with improvement of the quality and safety of VAT performed in a one-day surgery setting.