Robotic Thyroid Surgery for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Lessons Learned From 100 Consecutive Surgeries

Abstract

Purpose: 

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci surgical system.

Patients and Methods: 

Between July 2008 and April 2011, the data revealed an initial series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy with the da Vinci-S surgical system using the bilateral axillo-breast approach for thyroid cancer. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: 

There were 88 cases of total thyroidectomy, 11 cases of lobectomy, and 1 case of total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection. There was no conversion. The mean total operation time was 287.15±45.19 minutes for total thyroidectomy and 236.27±48.98 minutes for lobectomy. Nineteen patients experienced transient hypocalcemia and 3 patients experienced transient vocal fold palsy. All of the patients recovered within 3 months.

Conclusions: 

Robotic thyroid surgery for patients with thyroid malignancy is safe and results in fewer postoperative complications than open thyroid surgery.