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Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
[Progress in the application of robotic technology in thyroid surgery]
Di Wu1, Zheng Zhao1, Qi Fang1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery，Center for Cancer Prevention and Control，Sun Yat-senUniversity，South China State Key Laboratory of Oncology，Collaborative Innovation Center of Oncology，Guangdong Clinical Medical Research Center for Malignant Tumors，Guangzhou，510060，China.
Robot-assisted thyroid surgery offers cosmetic benefits and a shorter learning curve compared to traditional methods. Despite challenges like cost and complexity, it achieves comparable outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Robotics
- Endocrine Surgery
Background:
- Robot-assisted thyroid surgery is increasingly adopted globally.
- It offers advantages over endoscopic surgery, including cosmetic results and a reduced learning curve.
- Current approaches include transaxillary, bilateral axillo-breast (BABA), retroauricular, and transoral vestibular routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the development of robotic thyroid surgery.
- To highlight the latest advancements in the field.
- To discuss the benefits and challenges of robotic thyroidectomy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of current robotic thyroid surgery techniques.
- Evaluation of outcomes and complications.
Main Results:
- Robot-assisted thyroid surgery demonstrates a shorter learning curve and superior cosmetic results.
- Challenges include technical complexity, longer operative times, and higher initial costs.
- Outcomes are comparable to open surgery when performed by experienced surgeons in selected patients.
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted thyroid surgery is a viable alternative to conventional open thyroidectomy.
- Continued research and technological advancements are crucial.
- Careful patient selection and surgeon experience are key to successful outcomes.
