Implementation of transoral robotic thyroid surgery in a European tertiary center

Transoral thyroidectomy via vestibular approach has gained increasing acceptance due to its excellent cosmetic outcomes. Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) represents a further technical evolution, potentially offering enhanced options of instrument movement and visualization. However, no reports from Europe were yet published. We report the first TORT performed in Germany in a 56-year-old female presenting with a symptomatic 20 × 16 mm sized nodule in the right thyroid lobe measuring 14 ml. A right hemithyroidectomy was performed using TORT with the daVinci Xi® robotic system. Total operative time was 230 min. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. TORT is feasible and safe in selected patients also in the German hospital setting, although the additional costs are not reimbursed by the German health system. This case demonstrates the technical applicability and highlights key procedural steps for implementation.