Evaluation of voice function after BABA robotic thyroid lobectomy: A comparative analysis with endoscopic thyroid...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Oncology
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Thyroid lobectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma and improve outcomes.
• Voice function is a critical quality-of-life aspect following thyroid surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the impact of robotic thyroid lobectomy via the Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach (BABA) and endoscopic thyroid lobectomy on voice function.
• To evaluate acoustic indices and voice handicap index (VHI-10) in patients undergoing these two surgical approaches.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 125 thyroid cancer patients were divided into robotic (BABA) and endoscopic thyroid lobectomy groups.
• Voice function was assessed using acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time) and VHI-10.
• Comparisons were made pre-operatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Robotic (BABA) group showed no significant changes in VHI-10 or fundamental frequency (F0) post-surgery.
• Endoscopic group exhibited a significant increase in VHI-10 and a significant decline in F0 at 1 week and 1 month post-surgery.
• Maximum phonation time (MPT) significantly decreased in the endoscopic group 1 week post-surgery, while remaining stable in the robotic group.

Conclusions:

• Robotic thyroid lobectomy via BABA demonstrates superior voice function preservation compared to endoscopic thyroid lobectomy.
• The BABA approach may be advantageous for patients concerned about post-thyroidectomy voice quality.