Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy

3.1 Minimally invasive video‑assisted thyroidectomy is usually done with the patient under general anaesthesia. A small incision is made above the sternal notch. An endoscope is inserted through the incision and dissection of the thyroid lobe(s) is carried out. The operative space is maintained using external retraction: gas insufflation is not used. Care is taken to identify and preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve.