Background
Recently, robotic technology in the surgical area has gained wide popularity. However,
in the filed of head and neck surgery, the applications of robotic instruments are
problematic owing to spatial and technical limitations. The authors performed robot-assisted
endoscopic thyroid operations in consecutive thyroid tumor patients using the newly
introduced da Vinci S surgical system. Herein the authors describe the technique used
and its utility for the operative management of thyroid tumors.
Methods
From October 2007 to November 2008, 338 patients underwent robot-assisted endoscopic
thyroid operations using a gasless, transaxillary approach. All procedures were successfully
completed without conversion to an open procedure. Patient's clinicopathologic characteristics,
operation types, operation times, the learning curve, and postoperative hospital stays
and complications were evaluated.
Results
The mean patient age was 40 years (range, 16–69) and the male to female ratio was
1:16.8. Two hundred and thirty-four patients underwent less than total and 104 underwent
bilateral total thyroidectomy. Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was
conducted in all malignant cases. Mean operation time was 144.0 minutes (range, 69–347)
and mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.3 days (range, 2–7). No serious postoperative
complication occurred; there were 3 cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and
1 of Horner's syndrome.
Conclusion
Our technique of robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless, transaxillary approach is
feasible and safe in selected patients with a benign or malignant thyroid tumor.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 02, 2009
Accepted:
September 17,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
