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.
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.
Authors: Sohail Bakkar; Gabriele Materazzi; Marco Biricotti; Luigi De Napoli; Massimo Conte; David Galleri; Aleksandr Aghababyan; Paolo Miccoli Journal: Surg Today Date: 2015-08-31 Impact factor: 2.549
Authors: Paolo Miccoli; Lorenzo Fregoli; Leonardo Rossi; Piermarco Papini; Carlo Enrico Ambrosini; Sohail Bakkar; Luigi De Napoli; Alexander Aghababyan; Valeria Matteucci; Gabriele Materazzi Journal: Gland Surg Date: 2020-01
Authors: Giuseppe Mercante; Paolo Battaglia; Valentina Manciocco; Giovanni Cristalli; Raul Pellini; Giuseppe Spriano Journal: J Exp Clin Cancer Res Date: 2013-10-18