Minimally Invasive Remote Approaches Versus Conventional Open Approach in Central Neck Dissection for Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Head NeckJul 21, 2026 (epub)
Claudia Valenziano, Andrea Costantino, Martina Sebastiani et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared minimally invasive remote approaches (MIRA) to conventional open approaches (COA) for central neck dissection during total thyroidectomy in thyroid cancer patients. Analyzing 11 studies with 1626 patients, MIRA was associated with a significantly longer operative time (SMD 1.75; 95% CI 1.39-2.11) but similar postoperative complication rates compared to COA.
Key findings
- MIRA resulted in a significantly longer operative time compared to COA (SMD 1.75; 95% CI 1.39-2.11).
- No significant differences in transient vocal fold paralysis rates between MIRA and COA (OR 1.38; 95% CI 0.93-2.04).
- Transient hypoparathyroidism rates were comparable between MIRA and COA (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.46-1.49).
- The number of retrieved lymph nodes was slightly lower in the MIRA group (SMD -0.12; 95% CI -0.26 to -0.003).
Why it matters
Understanding the comparative outcomes of MIRA and COA is crucial for clinicians in selecting appropriate surgical techniques for thyroid cancer patients, particularly regarding operative time and complication rates.