Robotic Thyroid Surgery

Thyroidectomy has matured into a procedure that can be performed in both a minimally invasive and minimal incision manner on an outpatient basis. However, despite the advantages provided by these techniques, they nonetheless result in a conspicuous cervical scar. In an effort to completely obviate the need for a cervical incision, surgeons have sought to develop techniques that allow removal of the thyroid gland through remote (non-cervical) incisions. In this chapter, two robotic-assisted remote access approaches, the transaxillary and the facelift approach, are discussed. The indications, benefits and techniques of these techniques are described.