The evolution of robotic thyroidectomy: from inception to neck dissection

Abstract

Over the past decade, the application of surgical robotics is bringing about dramatic changes in various surgical fields. Robotic thyroidectomy has achieved safe and accurate management of thyroid disease with remarkable cosmetic and functional benefits. As experiences with robotic techniques accumulate, its indications will expand to include more advanced cases with higher levels of difficulty.

Overview of robotic thyroidectomy

“…The incision is made using a 15 blade, and the subcutaneous flap is raised using electrocautery. It is Transient VC palsy [5], permanent VC palsy [3], Temporary hypoparathyroidism [12], temporary MM nerve injury [5], earlobe numbness [6], seroma [21], hematoma [2], chyle leak [1], skin flap ischemia [2] TT or less: 6; TT + MRND: 10 PTC, papillary thyroid cancer; FTC, follicular thyroid cancer; HT, hemithyroidectomy; TT, total thyroidectomy; MRND, modified radical neck dissection. A B very important to preserve the fascia overlying the pectoralis major muscle to prevent postoperative adhesions which may lead to increased discomfort and pain over the chest area.…”

“…The first endoscopic thyroidectomy was first performed in 1997, introducing the era of minimally invasive and remote-access approaches for thyroidectomy (1)(2)(3)(4). The Da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California) was first utilized for transaxillary thyroidectomy by Chung in 2007.…”