Remote-access thyroidectomy with the da Vinci SP system: feasibility in a cadaveric model

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Endocrine Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Remote-access thyroidectomy aims to minimize neck scarring and improve cosmetic outcomes.
• The da Vinci SP (Single Port) system offers potential for minimally invasive procedures through a single incision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of remote-access total thyroidectomy using the da Vinci SP system.
• To assess presternal and submental incision approaches for robotic thyroidectomy.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral thyroidectomies were performed on five cadavers.
• Procedures utilized either a single presternal incision (2 cadavers) or a submental facelift incision (3 cadavers) with the da Vinci SP system.

Main Results:

• Total thyroidectomy was successfully completed in all tested cadavers using both presternal and submental approaches.
• Key metrics including skin flap development, docking time, gland exposure time, and total procedure time were recorded.
• The submental approach demonstrated slightly faster gland exposure times compared to the presternal approach.

Conclusions:

• Remote-access total thyroidectomy with the da Vinci SP system is feasible through single presternal and submental incisions.
• The technique shows promise when compared to other robotic thyroidectomy methods.
• Further clinical studies are needed to determine patient benefits.