Factors Affecting Long-Term Cosmetic Results after Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy and Conventional Thyroid Surgery

Introduction Approximately 90,000 thyroid operations are performed in Germany each year. Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) accounts for 5-10% of these operations. There are few data that compare long-term cosmetic results after MIVAT to those after conventional surgery. Current systematic reviews show no advantage for MIVAT. The goal of this study was to analyse the long-term postoperative results in both procedures and the evaluation of relevant factors. Patients and Methods The analysis of the long-term results is based on follow-up examinations using a validated method for scar appraisal (POSAS). Cohort analysis was performed on MIVAT operations in our hospital between 2004 and 2011 and conventional thyroid operations in 2011. Results Follow-up examination data were analysed from 117 patients from the MIVAT group and 102 patients from the conventional group. The follow-up examination was performed with a mean of 23.1 vs. 23.6 months postoperatively (MIVAT vs. conventional). The Friedman Test showed that scar pigmentation (mean rank 4.79) and scar surface structure (mean rank 3.62) were the deciding factors influencing the long-term cosmetic results. Conclusion Both MIVAT and conventional surgery gave very good long-term cosmetic results. From the patient's perspective, there is no significant advantage with conventional surgery. The evaluation of the long-term results largely depends on factors such as scar pigmentation and surface structure that can only be influenced to a limited extent by the surgical procedure.