Retroauricular thyroidectomy with a single‐arm robotic surgical system: Preclinical cadaveric study. Issue 12 (27th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Noel, Julia E.; Lee, Myung‐Chul; Tam, Kenric; Lim, Gil‐Chai; Holsinger, F. Christopher; Koh, Yoon Woo
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: 3663
• Page End: 3669
• Publication Date: 2020-08-27
• Subjects: endoscopic thyroidectomy -- minimally invasive surgery -- retroauricular thyroidectomy -- robot -- robotic thyroidectomy; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In this study, we evaluate a new flexible, single‐arm robotic system in performing thyroidectomy via a retroauricular approach. Methods: Four fresh cadavers were used. Technical details of the new system are discussed, and the comprehensive surgical procedures are described step by step. Results: This single‐port flexible system could be used to successfully perform retroauricular thyroidectomy. The ideal angle to dock the patient‐side cart was at a 90° angle to the operating table. When the cannula tip was placed 10 to 15 cm away from the skin incision, positioning and full movement of all four instruments without collisions were possible. Three flexible instruments and an endoscope made the robotic dissection more efficient. Conclusions: We describe the first preclinical evaluation of an innovative, flexible, single‐arm robotic surgical system for retroauricular thyroidectomy.