Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
04:01
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Three-Port Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy: Technical Description and Early Outcomes
Francesco Brucchi1,2, Carla Colombo2,3, Hoon Yub Kim4
1Division of General Surgery, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy.
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Three-port transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) offers a feasible, scarless approach for carefully selected patients. Early outcomes show acceptable complication rates and excellent cosmetic results, though operative times are longer initially.
Area of Science:
- Endocrine Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) presents a scarless surgical alternative.
- Standardization and outcome data for three-port TORT configurations are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the surgical technique for three-port transoral robotic thyroidectomy.
- To evaluate the early clinical outcomes and safety of this scarless approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 patients undergoing three-port TORT.
- Detailed description of surgical steps, including port placement and robotic docking.
- Analysis of perioperative data, outcomes, and complications.
Main Results:
- Median operative time was 308 minutes with minimal blood loss.
- Low rates of transient hypoparathyroidism (4%) and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (4%).
- One permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (4%); no mental nerve injury or infection.
Conclusions:
- Three-port TORT is a feasible and safe technique in experienced centers for selected patients.
- Acceptable complication rates and excellent cosmetic outcomes were observed.
- This approach requires high-volume endocrine robotic units and structured training.
