Recent advances in single-port robotic thyroidectomy: evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes

Area of Science:

• Endocrine Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Robotic thyroidectomy evolved from multiport to single-port (SP) systems for improved cosmesis and reduced invasiveness.
• The da Vinci SP system features a 3D endoscope and wristed instruments within a single cannula, minimizing collisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in single-port (SP) robotic thyroidectomy.
• To analyze technical refinements, learning curves, and clinical outcomes across various SP approaches.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed-indexed reports (2020-2025) on SP robotic thyroidectomy.
• Analysis of transaxillary, SP areolar, retroauricular/facelift, and transoral approaches.
• Focus on technical details, learning curves, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• SP robotic thyroidectomy is feasible and safe in selected patients, demonstrating high cosmetic satisfaction.
• Operative metrics are comparable to multiport robotic thyroidectomy.
• Transaxillary SP variants exhibit the most extensive peer-reviewed documentation.

Conclusions:

• SP robotic thyroidectomy is a viable and aesthetically pleasing option for endocrine neck surgery.
• Current limitations include restricted counter-traction and workspace, alongside energy device integration challenges.
• Innovations in SP systems are poised to significantly impact future endocrine neck surgery.