Robot-assisted thyroidectomy using a gasless, transaxillary approach for the management of thyroid lesions: Indian experience

Since last decades, more and more thyroidectomies have been performed by the minimally invasive method. Compared to conventional thyroidectomy, minimally invasive thyroidectomy has a superior cosmetic result. However, the outcome depends, in a large extent, on the skill of the operator and the learn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of minimal access surgery 2017-10, Vol.13 (4), p.280-285
Main Authors: Somashekhar, S P, Ashwin, K R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cameras
Care and treatment
Dissection
Endoscopy
Methods
Neck
Original
Patient satisfaction
Robotic surgery
Robotics
Robots
Surgeons
Surgery
Surgical outcomes
Technology application
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid diseases
Thyroidectomy
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Summary:Since last decades, more and more thyroidectomies have been performed by the minimally invasive method. Compared to conventional thyroidectomy, minimally invasive thyroidectomy has a superior cosmetic result. However, the outcome depends, in a large extent, on the skill of the operator and the learning curve is relatively long. Robotic thyroidectomy (RT) is a relatively new approach in treating thyroid lesions with improved ergonomics and surgical outcomes. We performed a prospective study of robotic-assisted transaxillary approach for thyroidectomy in Indian patients to examine the feasibility of the procedure. A total of 35 patients underwent RT. Demographics, surgical indications, operative findings, postoperative functional outcome, local complications and pathological outcomes were recorded and analyzed. The median age of the cohort was 28.6 years and 31 of the patients were women. The median size of the largest nodule was 3.2 cm (range, 1.0-4.5 cm). The median size of the largest nodule was 3.2 cm (range, 1.0-4.5 cm). Eighteen patients underwent less than total thyroidectomy and 17 patients underwent total thyroidectomy, with no conversion. The mean console time standard deviation was 115 min initially, and with experience, it reduced to 106 min for subsequent cases. The mean blood loss was 13 ml. Post-operative outcome was good with no serious complication noted in our series. Robotic-assisted thyroidectomy using a gasless transaxillary approach is a feasible, safe and noninferior surgical alternative for selected patients. We believe with time RT will be widened and it will be performed more often.
ISSN:0972-9941
1998-3921
DOI:10.4103/jmas.JMAS_42_16