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Robotic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy: An initial experience with retroauricular approach
Mohammed Alshehri1, Hossam Eldin Mohamed1, Thomas Moulthrop1
1Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Head & Neck
|May 6, 2017
Summary
Robotic-assisted retroauricular thyroid surgery is safe and feasible, even with concurrent neck lifts. This approach offers a viable alternative for thyroid and parathyroid procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Advancements in robotic-assisted surgery offer new techniques for thyroidectomy.
- The retroauricular approach provides a less visible surgical option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report initial experiences with a retroauricular approach for robotic-assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgeries.
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of this novel surgical technique.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 40 cases (38 female patients) at a North American academic institution.
- Procedures included thyroid lobectomies and parathyroid surgeries, with some patients undergoing concomitant neck lifts.
- Comparison between robotic and non-robotic retroauricular approaches was performed.
Main Results:
- All 40 cases were successfully completed via a single retroauricular incision without conversion to open surgery.
- Operative times varied: 189 ± 45 minutes for thyroid surgery with neck lift, 156 ± 39 minutes for robotic hemithyroidectomy alone.
- Low complication rates: 2 cases of transient hoarseness, 2 postoperative hematomas (1 requiring evacuation). No permanent vocal cord paralysis or hypoparathyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Single-incision retroauricular robotic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy are safe and feasible.
- Concomitant neck lift surgery can be safely performed in select patients.
- The non-robotic retroauricular approach is also safe, warranting further investigation into this novel technique.
