Minimally invasive thyroidectomy is an excellent option for patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancers, thyroid goiters and hyperthyroidism. For patients who prefer, minimally invasive thyroidectomy can often be performed under local anesthesia. The voidance of general anesthesia, improve pain control and cause a very quick recovery. More than 90 percent of patients undergoing thyroidectomy under local anesthesia are discharged the same day of surgery.
Shorter incisions which are small and well-hidden (1 inches or less) than used in standard thyroidectomy. Less dissection leads to decreased pain after thyroid surgery.
The recovery time is significantly less than that of traditional thyroid surgery. Patients who undergo minimally invasive thyroidectomy typically experience a recovery period less than 10 days, compared to the 2-3 weeks typical of traditional surgery.
Patients are almost always sent home several hours after surgery is completed, avoiding an overnight stay in the hospital.
With minimally invasive thyroid surgery, the wound is typically closed simply with medical glue rather than sutures and a dressing with drains. If drains and a dressing are necessary, they are usually removed the day following surgery.
One of the main limitations of minimally invasive thyroid surgery is that it is only suitable for a small number of patients with specific indications that meet the selection criteria. The procedure is also more technically demanding and has a longer operative time than traditional open thyroidectomy. Another disadvantage is that there is a learning curve associated with the procedure. It is also difficult for surgeons to gain experience with the technique. This is because the procedure is only suitable for a small number of patients, and the open technique is therefore more routinely performed.
http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=58657
http://www.thyroid.com.au/minimally-invasive-thyroid-surgery/
http://trimblent.com/head-and-neck-surgery/minimally-invasive-thyroidectomy-and-parathyroidectomy/