Feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy via hairline incision using da Vinci single port system: Initial experience with 40 consecutive cases

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to introduce our robotic technique, which can minimize dissection extent using the da Vinci SP robotic system via hairline incision. Methods: Forty patients underwent robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic system via a hairline incision between February 2020 and April 2021 at Ulsan University Hospital. All procedures were performed successfully by one surgeon using the SP robotic system. Results: Hemithyroidectomies were performed in 32 patients and total thyroidectomies in eight patients. Central neck dissection was performed in 32 patients. The overall mean operative time was 140.2 ± 50.7 min, and the mean console time was 74.0 ± 42.7 min. All patients were discharged on the second or third day after operation without any complications. Conclusions: Robotic thyroidectomy using the SP robotic system via hairline incision is technically feasible and safe, with a shorter incision length when compared with that of the Xi system.

Robotic Thyroidectomy via Posterior Neck Approach Using the Da Vinci Single Port System

“…No significant complications were encountered and operative time was reasonable, suggesting that this is a safe and feasible approach for unilateral thyroidectomy for patients who wish to avoid an anterior neck scar. In contrast to transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy, which has achieved wider adoption in Asia but faced challenges in the Western population, 5 the described approach appears effective in both White and non‐White patients, which were evenly split in our series.…”

“…4 Kim et al have reported the feasibility of using the Da Vinci Sp robotic surgical system via a posterior neck hairline incision for remote access thyroidectomy in Korea. 5 Here we report our initial experience using the Sp system for robotic thyroidectomy via posterior neck approach (RT-PNA) in a Western patient population.…”