Total thyroidectomy is improved by loupe magnification

With this study, we verified if a microsurgical approach with magnification could improve the outcome of total thyroidectomy. Ninety‐seven patients were consecutively randomized into group A (surgery with x 2.5 magnification and microsurgical instruments, n = 47) or group B (surgery with no magnification, n = 50). The mean operative time was 125 ± 4.0 min in group A, and 150 ± 4.0 min in group B (P = 0.00012). The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified in all patients of group A, and in 96.8% of group B. The overall morbidity rate was 4.0% in group A and 25.5% in group B ( P = 0.0038). This study indicates that a microsurgical approach with magnification is feasible, reduces surgical time, and improves the outcome in total thyroidectomy. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.