Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

The procedure

Minimally invasive (keyhole) video‑assisted surgery to remove the thyroid gland is usually done under general anaesthesia. It involves making a small cut of about 2 cm in the centre of neck just above the breastbone. The surgeon then inserts a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end through the cut. This sends pictures to a screen to help the surgeon see the thyroid gland and surrounding tissue. Surgical instruments are inserted through the cut to remove part or all of the gland, depending on the underlying condition.

The aim of video‑assisted keyhole surgery is to be able to use smaller cuts than with 'open' surgery, so that there is less pain and scarring after surgery.