Open AccessComparative Study of Robotic versus Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
Author(s) -
Tae Kyung,
Bae Ji Yong,
Jeong Jin Hyeok,
Kim Kyung Rae,
Choi Woong Hwan,
Ahn You Hern
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451438a60
Subject(s) - thyroidectomy , medicine , surgery , endoscope , endoscopy , general surgery , thyroid
Objective Robotic thyroidectomy and conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy have not been thoroughly compared. In this study, we compared the potential advantages of robotic versus endoscopic thyroidectomy. Method We analyzed 218 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic (105 cases) or robotic (113 cases) thyroidectomy using a gasless unilateral axillo‐breast (GUAB) or axillary (GUA) approach. Results Because of the dexterity of robotic instruments and the improved surgical view, it was subjectively easier and took less time to perform a complete total thyroidectomy and central compartment neck dissections (CCND) in robotic thyroidectomy. In the case of unilateral lobectomy, endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy had quite similar surgical outcomes. Cosmetic satisfaction was excellent in both groups. Conclusion Robotic thyroidectomy is superior to endoscopic thyroidectomy for performing total thyroidectomy and bilateral CCND. However, in terms of cost‐effectiveness, endoscopic thyroidectomy is comparable to robotic thyroidectomy in patients who undergo unilateral lobectomy.