Various endoscopic thyroidectomyprocedures have been designed to minimize visible cervical scarring. However, endoscopic thyroidectomy is a technically challenging procedure that is performed by a limited surgeon. Robotic systems aida surgeon in performing minimally invasive head and necksurgery by offering superior visualization and dexterity. This study reports the initial experience of one surgeon with robotic thyroidectomy to assess the technical feasibility and safety of the approach.
METHODS:
One hundred four thyroid cancerpatients (97 females, 7 males; mean age of 39.8±8.1 years) underwent robotic thyroidectomy using gasless transaxillary approach between November 2008 and October 2009 in Ajou UniversityHospital. All the procedures were completed successfully using the da Vinci surgical system without open conversion. Patient characteristics, postoperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic details were assessed.
Robotic thyroidectomy is a feasible, safe, and cosmetically excellent procedure. The application of robotic technology for thyroid surgeries could be an alternative to endoscopic or conventional open thyroidectomy.