Robotic Thyroidectomy

Robotic Thyroidectomy

Robotic Thyroidectomy/ Remote access thyroidectomy/ Endoscopic Thyroidectomy/ Scarless Thyroidectomy

For a few select cases with smaller nodules, it may be possible to avoid the incision on the neck to remove the thyroid. In such cases the incision may be given at a distant/ less apparent site.

The risk of any complication happening with these procedures is same as that with conventional open surgery. Main advantage is avoiding a apparent scar in the front of the neck.

Robotic Thyroidectomy refers to a surgical procedure where no visible or apparent scar comes in the neck. Instead, we access the thyroid gland from a distant location, this can be from behind the ear, from the chest or from within the mouth.

How are these surgeries performed?

As you can understand, we are trying to reach the thyroid gland from a remote location, for this we need certain modifications during the surgery. These can be performed with the help of endoscopic instruments or through a robot. Robotic surgery is preferred in this setting as it allows small instruments to reach inside the neck with good freedom of movement and dexterity.

What is the advantage with robotic surgery?

• No visible scar: as these are performed from a distant site, thus the scar is not apparent or visible normally.
• This is more relevant for the cases where we doing the procedure for cosmetic purposes.
• Minimal blood loss
• Magnified view: this allows us to identify and preserve the nerve to the vocal cords as well as parathyroid. This often means lesser complications and faster recovery.
• Precise
• Faster recovery

Who performs these surgeries?

These are performed by a trained Head & Neck Robotic thyroid surgeon. The surgeon uses a surgical robot to perform these cases. The robot has small arms through which fine instruments can go in through smaller incisions and areas. The surgeon operates these from a separate console where he gets a 3-dimensional view of the operating area. The entire surgery is within the control of the surgeon.

How is the recovery following these surgeries?

Following the surgery, patients are able to move around, eat and drink the same day. A drain is placed to allow the blood getting collected inside to come out, it is removed in a couple of day’s time. There is no restriction on patient regarding diet or activities.

Trans-oral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach

In this technique, we give three small cuts in the inner surface of the lip. Endoscopic/laprascopic instruments are then used to remove the thyroid gland.