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Conversion rates in robotic thyroid surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Barbara Martino1, Letizia Nitro1, Loredana De Pasquale2
1Otolaryngology Unit, Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Summary
Robot-assisted thyroid surgery (RATS) shows a low overall conversion rate of 1%. This meta-analysis found no significant differences in conversion risk based on specific surgical types or robotic access methods.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Robot-assisted thyroid surgery (RATS) is an evolving minimally invasive technique.
- Assessing the risk of conversion to open procedures is crucial for patient safety and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the overall conversion risk to open surgery in RATS.
- To identify specific surgical subtypes or robotic access methods associated with higher conversion risks.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Prospective studies reporting RATS conversion rates were pooled.
- Conversion rates were compared across different thyroid surgery types and robotic access approaches.
Main Results:
- 13 eligible studies were analyzed, encompassing 398 procedures.
- A pooled conversion rate of 1% (95% CI: 0.1%-2%) was observed.
- No statistically significant differences in conversion rates were found between different thyroid surgery types or robotic access methods.
Conclusions:
- The overall conversion rate for RATS is consistently low.
- Further prospective data collection and systematic reporting of complications are needed to precisely define high-risk procedures and accesses.
