Optimizing robotic thyroid surgery: lessons learned from an retrospective analysis of 104 cases

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Robotic assistance in thyroidectomy is an emerging surgical technique.
• The da Vinci Surgical System is being evaluated for its impact on thyroid surgery.
• Enhanced precision and patient outcomes are potential benefits of robotic thyroidectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the da Vinci Surgical System on operative efficiency.
• To analyze the learning curve associated with robotic thyroidectomy.
• To evaluate postoperative outcomes and complication rates in robotic thyroid surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 104 patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy (March 2018 - January 2022).
• Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis to evaluate the learning curve.
• Analysis of operative times, complication rates, and postoperative recovery metrics.

Main Results:

• Operative times significantly reduced with increasing experience; learning curve plateaued after 37 cases.
• No permanent hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries reported.
• Minimal complications, with decreased transient vocal cord palsy observed as surgeon experience grew.

Conclusions:

• Robotic thyroidectomy with the da Vinci system enhances operative efficiency and safety.
• The learning curve is manageable and leads to improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Further research with larger datasets is needed to confirm long-term benefits.