Comprehensive application of robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy: The evolution of robotic thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: As an evolvement of the robotic application to the thyroidectomy, we sought to seek the potential role of robotic thyroidectomy with the retroauricular (RA) approach prior to future comparative study between RA and transaxillary thyroidectomy. This study aims to verify the surgical feasibility of robotic RA thyroidectomy.

Study design: Case series with planned data collection.

Methods: A total of 87 patients who underwent robotic RA thyroidectomy for clinically suspicious papillary thyroid carcinoma or benign lesions from January 2013 to May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results: All robotic surgeries via RA approach were successfully performed, without any significant intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Based on patient-reported outcome questionnaires, all patients were satisfied with their postoperative surgical scars.

Conclusion: Robotic RA thyroidectomy is technically feasible and safe, with satisfactory cosmetic results for patients where indicated.

Level of evidence: 4.