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Rossi L, De Palma A, Fregoli L, Papini P, Ambrosini CE, Becucci C, Gjeloshi B, Morganti R, Marco P, Materazzi G. Robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy: time to expand indications? J Robot Surg 2023:10.1007/s11701-023-01594-y. [PMID: 37062803 PMCID: PMC10374780 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-023-01594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the American Thyroid Association published a statement on remote-access thyroid surgery claiming that it should be reserved to patients with thyroid nodule ≤ 3 cm, thyroid lobe < 6 cm and without thyroiditis. We retrospectively enrolled all patients who underwent robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy between February 2012 and March 2022. We compared surgical outcomes between patients who presented a thyroid gland with a nodule ≤ 3 cm, thyroid lobe < 6 cm and without thyroiditis (Group A) and patients without these features (Group B). The rate of overall complications resulted comparable (p = 0.399), as well as the operative time (p = 0.477) and the hospital stay (p = 0.305). Moreover, bleeding resulted associated to thyroid nodule > 3 cm (p = 0.015), although all bleedings but one occurred in the remote-access site from the axilla to the neck. In experienced hands, robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy is feasible and safe even in patients with large thyroid nodules or thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea De Palma
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fregoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Piermarco Papini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Enrico Ambrosini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Becucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Benard Gjeloshi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Puccini Marco
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Vanermen M, Vander Poorten V, Meulemans J. Remote-access robotic thyroidectomy: A systematic review. Int J Med Robot 2023:e2511. [PMID: 36799913 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, robotic surgery has been introduced as a new surgical approach to the thyroid. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this systematic review is to critically examine safety and feasibility of the different robotic approaches. METHODS The literature on robotic thyroidectomy was systematically reviewed. Primary endpoints were surgery duration, length of hospital stay, complications, postoperative pain and cosmetic satisfaction. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies with a total of 14433 patients were included. Depending on the robotic approach used, operative duration ranged between 89 and 230 min and hospitalisation stay between 0.1 and 5.6 days. Complication rates varied between 7.3% and 29%. Postoperative pain visual analogue scores (VAS) ranged from 0.6 to 4.71. CONCLUSION Robotic thyroidectomy results in high cosmetic satisfaction and quality of life. No differences in complication rates between robotic and traditional approaches are observed, supporting safety and feasibility of these robotic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Vanermen
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Vander Poorten
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Meulemans
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Transaxillary gasless endoscopic hemithyroidectomy versus conventional open hemithyroidectomy: early single-centre experience. Updates Surg 2022; 74:917-925. [PMID: 35489003 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Conventional open thyroidectomy is defined as a gold standard in thyroid gland disease treatment. However, progressive surgery methods such as endoscopic technique provide better structure visualisation and improved cosmetic effect. Our study aim is to compare conventional open (COH) and endoscopic transaxillary hemithyroidectomy (TAH) and define the learning curve for TAH procedure. We retrospectively analysed 107 COH and 65 TAH cases. Patients' demographic data and surgery results were compared. Also, surgeon learning curve analysis using cumulative sum (CUSUM) was performed for the duration of the surgery. TAH was applied to younger female patients with lower thyroid gland volume. COH group patients were hospitalised for longer in comparison with TAH (p < 0.05). Mean TAH surgery time was longer (78.1 min, SD = 22.6) compared with COH (66.7 min, 15.3) (p < 0.05). Overall complication rate was comparable between groups. There was a tendency towards a lower unintentional parathyroidectomy rate in TAH group. TAH group results showed significantly longer surgery time for patients whose body mass index (BMI) was over 30 (kg/m2), compared to whose BMI was below 30 (kg/m2) (p = 0.004). Shortest endoscopic surgery time (64.9 ± 12.45 min) was achieved between 41 and 50 cases. CUSUM analysis showed that surgery time decreased after the 30th TAH case. TAH approach compared to COH results in longer surgery time, shorter hospital stay and comparable rate of postoperative complications. However matched pair studies are necessary to clarify the results. After thirty cases, the surgeon became proficient in transaxillary endoscopic thyroid surgery.
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Postsurgical complications after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy: critical analysis of a large cohort of European patients. Updates Surg 2022; 74:511-517. [PMID: 35239151 PMCID: PMC8995261 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy has spread rapidly and has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure. However, several case series have reported new complications that have led to criticism regarding this approach. This study analyzed the incidence of complications in a large cohort of European patients. We enrolled all patients who underwent robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy from 2012 to 2020 at the University Hospital of Pisa Department of Endocrine Surgery. We analyzed complications and divided them into 2 groups. Group A included conventional complications, such as transient or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, transient or permanent hypocalcemia, hemorrhage, and tracheal injury. Group B included unconventional complications, such as brachial plexus palsy, track seeding, seroma, great vessels injury, and skin flap perforation. There were 31 postsurgical complications (5.7%). Group A included 25 complications (4.6%): transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively; transient and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 9 patients (1.7%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 6 patients (1.1%) and tracheal injury in 1 (0.2%). Group B included 6 complications (1.1%): 1 patient with brachial plexus injury (0.2%), 1 with track seeding (0.2%), and 4 with seroma (0.7%). Robotic trans-axillary thyroidectomy is a safe approach with a risk of postoperative complications comparable to the conventional technique. Almost all complications after a novel introduction are anecdotal. With an accurate patient selection, high-volume institutions with experienced surgeons can perform this technique safely.
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Starks C, Akkera M, Shalaby M, Munshi R, Toraih E, Lee GS, Kandil E, Shama MA. Evaluation of YouTube videos as a patient education source for novel surgical techniques in thyroid surgery. Gland Surg 2021; 10:697-705. [PMID: 33708552 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients and physicians are increasingly utilizing online video sharing sites such as YouTube for obtaining and disseminating health-related information in multimedia format; however, due to its free, open-access platform, YouTube videos fall short in providing validated, up-to-date medical information, and may even convey unintended messages to patients who are seeking additional information on surgeries. We evaluated the relevance, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on novel surgical techniques in thyroid surgery. Methods The top 50 indexed YouTube videos for the queries, "robotic thyroid surgery" and "transoral thyroid surgery", were assessed by two independent reviewers for video quality and reliability for patient understanding. Videos were scored using Global Quality Score (GQS), a scale for video quality, and DISCERN Scoring, a questionnaire for reliability and quality measures of information presented. Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of the videos (n=50) was 8.1±3.7 minutes. Total views were 261,440 and the mean ± SD time since upload was 3.6±2.6 years. The median and interquartile range of video power index (VPI) was 1.9 (0.5-3.7), GQS was 3.0 (2.0-4.0), and DISCERN score was 2.8 (2.3-3.2). Most videos were uploaded by physicians (75.8%) and the highest number of videos (63.6%) uploaded were from the United States (US). Videos with higher quality and reliability scores were uploaded by academic professionals, and included videos of physicians who described procedural information, perioperative instructions, and possible postoperative complications (P<0.05). Adequate medical information on the procedure and discussion of complications in YouTube videos were independent predictors of advanced educational quality and reliability. Conclusions Clinical information on new surgical techniques such as transoral and robotic thyroid surgeries in YouTube videos scored low on quality and reliability as a source of patient education. Physicians should provide supplemental educational material online and offline to aid patient understanding of novel procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Starks
- Department of Surgery & Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mounika Akkera
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mahmoud Shalaby
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ruhul Munshi
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Eman Toraih
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Grace S Lee
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Shama
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Impact of body mass index on robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8955. [PMID: 31222123 PMCID: PMC6586661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with increased operating times and higher complication rates in many types of surgery. Its impact on robotic thyroidectomy however, is not well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (RTAT). A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent RTAT at Yonsei University Health System from October 2007 to December 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups based on BMI (Group 1: BMI < 25, Group 2: BMI 25-29.99, Group 3: BMI ≥ 30), and compared. A total of 3697 patients were analyzed. No differences between the three groups were observed in clinicopathological factors, extent of surgery or length of stay. After multivariate analysis, only seroma and transient voice hoarseness were related to increasing BMI. Total operative time was significantly longer for Group 3 patients with less-than-bilateral total thyroidectomy (BTT), but was not significantly different for patients with BTT. Although obese patients undergoing RTAT have a slightly higher risk of seroma, transient voice hoarseness, and longer operative times, BMI did not influence the other important surgical outcomes of thyroidectomy. Therefore, obesity should not be a contraindication for performing RTAT.
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Piccoli M, Mullineris B, Gozzo D, Colli G, Pecchini F, Nigro C, Rochira V. Evolution Strategies in Transaxillary Robotic Thyroidectomy: Considerations on the First 449 Cases Performed. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2019; 29:433-440. [PMID: 30835159 PMCID: PMC6482897 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2019.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In the past 20 years, the fast spread of new surgical technologies has reached an important peak with the advent of the robotic surgery. Many studies have been run about a cosmetic desire to avoid neck scars after thyroid surgery and this has led to the development of remote access robotic thyroidectomy (RT). Among the various RT approaches, unilateral transaxillary access is one of the most widely used, reporting excellent results in terms of feasibility and patient's compliance. The mini-invasive technique demonstrated many potential shortcoming overcomes with the robotic approach. At our institution a team of 3 skilled endocrine surgeons with experience in laparoscopic and robotic procedures performed RT. Our aim is to report our 8-year single-centre robot-assisted thyroidectomy experience, by applying a gasless unilateral transaxillary approach with the so-called hybrid technique, and to demonstrate its safety and feasibility. Methods: In the period between September 2010 and June 2018 at our institution, a total of 472 patients underwent thyroid and parathyroid transaxillary surgery. The hybrid technique was applied for all the robotic procedures. A total of 412 procedures were performed with the use of external “Modena Retractor” (CEATEC® Medizintechnik) and with 3 surgeons. According to international guidelines, our indications for robotic surgery were benign lesions with a diameter <5 cm, Graves' disease, well-differentiated thyroid cancers, and parathyroid adenomas. Results: In this series, a total of 449 cases were registered. General data of patients were analyzed: gender, age, body mass index, tumor size, preoperative fine-needle aspiration examination, definitive histological examination, operative time, and postoperative complications. Conclusions: This study confirms the application of robotic approach in thyroid surgery as a feasible technique in terms of safety and complications risk. The hybrid technique, together with a dedicated surgical team, can lead to obtaining the same outcomes of traditional anterior cervicotomic surgery, adding a scarless thyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Piccoli
- 1 Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Barbara Mullineris
- 1 Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Gozzo
- 1 Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Colli
- 1 Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecchini
- 1 Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Casimiro Nigro
- 2 General Surgery Department, Torvergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- 3 Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy.,4 Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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8
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Stang MT, Yip L, Wharry L, Bartlett DL, McCoy KL, Carty SE. Gasless Transaxillary Endoscopic Thyroidectomy with Robotic Assistance: A High-Volume Experience in North America. Thyroid 2018; 28:1655-1661. [PMID: 30235982 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since its introduction nine years ago, gasless transaxillary thyroidectomy with robotic assistance (RT) has achieved a relatively limited application in North America. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of RT in a recent large, diverse North American population. METHODS Consenting patients were selected for the RT approach from November 2010 to July 2015 based on patient preference, and their perioperative data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Of 301 robotic thyroidectomies completed in 281 patients, 160 were total thyroidectomy and 141 were lobectomy. Women predominated (98.9%), with a mean age of 41 years (range 17-74 years) and a mean follow-up of 24 months (range 3-71 months). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.7 kg/m2 (range 17-44 kg/m2). However, 33.3% of patients had a BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2, 12.4% had a BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2, 3.5% had a BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2, and 0.7% had a BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Excluding 20 completion lobectomy, the indications for surgery were indeterminate cytology (53%), malignant cytology (10%), growth (18%), Graves' disease (12%), and other (5%). The mean size of the largest resected nodule was 2.5 cm (range 0.7-6.4 cm). Mean operating time for robotic lobectomy and total thyroidectomy was 81 and 109 minutes, respectively. One patient was converted to standard cervicotomy for failure to progress endoscopically. Complications included temporary dysphonia (6.0%), permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve deficit (1.3%), hypocalcemia (temporary 8.2%, permanent 1.1%), seroma (0.7%), and hematoma requiring reoperation (0.3%). Complications did not differ in patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 compared to those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 or with respect to nodules >3 cm or surgery for Graves' thyroiditis. One patient developed grade II arm lymphedema ipsilateral to the axillary incision at two years, which resolved with conservative management. No patient had a surgical site infection or brachial plexopathy. Cancer was present histologically in 133 (48%) patients. Among 91 patients with cancer of the index nodule, 48.4% had papillary, 44.0% follicular variant papillary, 2.2% minimally invasive follicular carcinoma, and 5.5% minimally invasive Hürthle cell carcinoma. One patient had sclerosing variant thyroid paraganglioma. To date, all patients are without evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS At a high-volume center, gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroid surgery done with robotic assistance is a safe, efficient, and effective approach in a diverse North American patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Stang
- 1 Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Linwah Yip
- 2 Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Laura Wharry
- 3 Department of Surgery, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - David L Bartlett
- 4 Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly L McCoy
- 2 Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sally E Carty
- 2 Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Song CM, Jang YI, Ji YB, Park JS, Kim DS, Tae K. Factors affecting operative time in robotic thyroidectomy. Head Neck 2017; 40:893-903. [PMID: 29206321 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors related to operative time in robotic thyroidectomy. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 240 patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy. The total thyroidectomy cases and lobectomy cases were both categorized into those with long operative times (LOTs; upper 25% of cases) and those with short operative times (SOTs; lower 25%). RESULTS Among the total thyroidectomy cases, body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.34; P = .008) and bilateral central neck dissection (CND; HR 14.92; P = .028) were more frequent in the LOT group in multivariate analysis. Among the lobectomy cases, BMI ≥23 kg/m2 (HR 12.92; P = .003) and unilateral CND (HR 21.38; P = .017) were the only independent risk factors for prolonged operative time. CONCLUSION Body habitus and clinical nodal status in the central compartment should be considered in deciding the indications for robotic thyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Myeon Song
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn Il Jang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Bae Ji
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Seon Park
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Sun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Tae
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Robotic facelift thyroidectomy (RFT) was developed as a new surgical approach to the thyroid gland using a remote incision site. Early favorable results led to this confirmatory multi-institutional experience. METHODS Prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing RFT in five North American academic endocrine surgical practices were compiled. Surgical indications, operative times, final pathology, nodule size, complications, and postoperative management (drain use and length of hospital stay) were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 102 RFT procedures were undertaken in 90 patients. All but one of the patients (98.9 %) were female, and the mean age was 41.9 ± 13.1 years (range 12-69 years). The indication for surgery was nodular disease in 91.2 % of cases; 8.8 % were completion procedures performed for a diagnosis of cancer. The mean size of the largest nodule was 1.9 cm (range 0-5.6 cm). The mean total operative time for a thyroid lobectomy was 162 min (range 82-265 min). No permanent complications occurred. There were 4 cases (3.9 %) of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve weakness, no cases of hypocalcemia, and 3 (2.9 %) hematomas. There were no conversions to an anterior cervical approach. The majority of patients were managed on an outpatient basis (61.8 %) and without a drain (65.7 %). CONCLUSIONS RFT is technically feasible and safe in selected patients. RFT can continue to be offered to carefully selected patients as a way to avoid a visible cervical scar. Future prospective studies to compare this novel approach to other remote access approaches are warranted.
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Fregoli L, Materazzi G, Miccoli M, Papini P, Guarino G, Wu HS, Miccoli P. Postoperative Pain Evaluation After Robotic Transaxillary Thyroidectomy Versus Conventional Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2016; 27:146-150. [PMID: 27875655 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2016.0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy (RATT) is an emerging technique with excellent cosmetic results but is supposedly more invasive and painful than conventional thyroidectomy (CT). This prospective study compared pain after RATT and CT. METHODS Inclusion criteria were a nodule <5 cm and volume <30 mL. Patients received the same analgesia. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) in the recovery room (VASrr), on the first postoperative day at 8:00 a.m. (VAS 8 a.m.) and 8:00 p.m. (VAS 8 p.m.), at 8:00 a.m. on the second postoperative day (VAS 8*a.m.), and after 7 days (VAS 7). Operative time and complications were evaluated. RESULTS From May 2015 to September 2015, 124 patients (all women) underwent thyroidectomy: 62 underwent RATT and 62 underwent CT. Mean age was 39.7 ± 10.2 years in the RATT group and 41.4 ± 12.5 years in the CT group. Groups were comparable for thyroid volume and nodule diameter. Operative time was longer in the RATT group than in the CT group (119.4 ± 25.5 versus 70.3 ± 11.0 minutes). Complications were three transient hypocalcemia in RATT and four in the CT group. No definitive complications occurred. VASrr was lower in the RATT group (1.79 ± 2.06 versus 2.5 ± 1.18; P < .0001). There was no difference between groups for VAS 8 a.m., VAS 8 p.m., and VAS 8*a.m., but VAS 7 was higher in the RATT group (0.85 ± 1.77 versus 0.17 ± 0.52; P < .010). DISCUSSION RATT is as safe and effective as CT. Patients undergoing RATT, surprisingly, experienced less pain in the immediate postoperative period. However, the VAS 7 score was higher in the RATT group, probably because the intact neck is favorable in the early phase of recovery, but the large dissection takes longer for healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fregoli
- 1 Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- 1 Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- 2 Department of Experimental Pathology B.M.I.E, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Piermarco Papini
- 1 Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Guarino
- 1 Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
| | - Hurn-Sheng Wu
- 3 Department of Surgery, Chang-Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital , Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- 1 Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, University of Pisa , Pisa, Italy
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12
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Byeon HK, Kim DH, Chang JW, Ban MJ, Park JH, Kim WS, Choi EC, Koh YW. Comprehensive application of robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy: The evolution of robotic thyroidectomy. Laryngoscope 2015; 126:1952-7. [PMID: 26525822 DOI: 10.1002/lary.25763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS As an evolvement of the robotic application to the thyroidectomy, we sought to seek the potential role of robotic thyroidectomy with the retroauricular (RA) approach prior to future comparative study between RA and transaxillary thyroidectomy. This study aims to verify the surgical feasibility of robotic RA thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN Case series with planned data collection. METHODS A total of 87 patients who underwent robotic RA thyroidectomy for clinically suspicious papillary thyroid carcinoma or benign lesions from January 2013 to May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS All robotic surgeries via RA approach were successfully performed, without any significant intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Based on patient-reported outcome questionnaires, all patients were satisfied with their postoperative surgical scars. CONCLUSION Robotic RA thyroidectomy is technically feasible and safe, with satisfactory cosmetic results for patients where indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1952-1957, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Kwon Byeon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hee Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Jin Ban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hong Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Shik Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chang Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Woo Koh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Recent technological advances have led to a rapid progress in endocrine surgery. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques in thyroid surgery, robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery (RATS) has emerged as one of the most promising approaches. Its main advantages are improved cosmetic outcome, avoiding cervical incisions, increased patient satisfaction, improved visualization, arms articulations, eliminating surgeon's natural tremor, thereby increasing precision. The main disadvantages are longer operative time, and increased cost compared to conventional thyroidectomy, as well as potential injuries to the brachial plexus, skin flap, esophagus, and trachea. Large-scale studies, mainly from South-Korea, have proved that in skilled hands, RATS is a safe alternative to conservative thyroidectomy and should be presented to patients with aesthetic concerns. As with any new emerging technique, careful patient selection is crucial, and further evidence must be sought to confirm its indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Rabinovics
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel ; 2 Department of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, The American Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Aidan
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel ; 2 Department of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, The American Hospital, Paris, France
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14
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Hinson AM, Kandil E, O'Brien S, Spencer HJ, Bodenner DL, Hohmann SF, Stack BC. Trends in Robotic Thyroid Surgery in the United States from 2009 Through 2013. Thyroid 2015; 25:919-26. [PMID: 26061477 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2015.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to describe national trends in robotic thyroid surgery from 2009 through 2013. METHODS The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database was searched for patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy (RT) from 2009 through 2013. Another U.S. institution's RT data, not included in the UHC database, were also evaluated. Patient demographics, institutional volume, comorbid conditions, complications, and cost information were analyzed. RESULTS Sixty-one institutions performed 484 RT during the study period. From 2009 through 2011, U.S. annual RT volume increased from 39 cases to 140. Annual volume dropped to 69 cases in 2012 and 93 cases in 2013. Higher-volume centers reported lower complication rates (p<0.02). Hematoma formation (3.7%) was the most common complication, and there was one death. More than 10% of patients were obese. Brachial plexus injury and axillary skin flap perforations were reported in <1% of cases. Mean cost for a total RT was $13,287 ($5,125-42,444). CONCLUSIONS From 2009 through early 2011, there was a steady increase in RT volume, especially among high-volume institutions. In mid-to-late 2011, there was a noticeable drop in RT volume, which significantly altered the projected trajectory of the procedure in this country. Despite higher complication rates, lower-volume centers perform the majority of RT and are also responsible for recent increases in RT utilization patterns in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Hinson
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) , Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Emad Kandil
- 2 Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Stephanie O'Brien
- 3 Deparment of Hospital Administration, Oregon Health Sciences University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Horace J Spencer
- 4 Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) , Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Donald L Bodenner
- 5 Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) , Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Samuel F Hohmann
- 6 University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) and Department of HealthSystems Management, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brendan C Stack
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) , Little Rock, Arkansas
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16
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Endoscopic retroauricular thyroidectomy: preliminary results. Surg Endosc 2015; 30:355-65. [PMID: 25875088 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-015-4202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to seek the potential role of endoscopic thyroidectomy with the retroauricular (RA) approach prior to future comparative study with the robotic RA thyroidectomy. Therefore, this study aims to verify the surgical feasibility of endoscopic RA thyroidectomy. METHODS Eighteen patients who underwent endoscopic RA thyroidectomy for clinically suspicious papillary thyroid carcinoma or benign lesions from January to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS All endoscopic operations via RA or modified facelift approach were successfully performed, without any significant intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Based on patient-reported outcome questionnaires, all patients were satisfied with their postoperative surgical scars. CONCLUSION Endoscopic RA thyroidectomy is technically feasible and safe with satisfactory cosmetic results for patients where indicated.
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Abstract
The da Vinci S surgical system (Intuitive Surgical) was approved as a medical device in 2009 by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Robotic surgery has since been used in gastrointestinal, thoracic, gynecological, and urological surgeries. In April 2012, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) was first approved for insurance coverage. Since then, RALP has been increasingly used, with more than 3,000 RALP procedures performed by March 2013. By July 2014, 183 institutions in Japan had installed the da Vinci surgical system. Other types of robotic surgeries are not widespread because they are not covered by public health insurance. Clinical trials using robotic partial nephrectomy and robotic gastrectomy for renal and gastric cancers, respectively, have recently begun as advanced medical treatments to evaluate health insurance coverage. These procedures must be evaluated for efficacy and safety before being covered by public health insurance. Other types of robotic surgery are being evaluated in clinical studies. There are several challenges in robotic surgery, including accreditation, training, efficacy, and cost. The largest issue is the cost-benefit balance. In this review, the current situation and a prospective view of robotic surgery in Japan are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nishimura
- Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Wilson MN, Noel D, DiLeo M, Walvekar RR. Modification of two-incision trans-axillary robotic thyroidectomy. J Robot Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11701-014-0472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Rabinovics N, Feinmesser R, Aidan P, Hamzany Y, Bachar G. Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery-feasibility and safety of a novel technique. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2014; 5:e0013. [PMID: 24808951 PMCID: PMC4011478 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Developments in technology have led to a rapid progress in robotic endocrine surgery applications. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques in thyroid surgery, robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery (RATS) has emerged as one of the most promising approaches. Its main advantages are improved cosmetic outcome, avoiding cervical incisions, thereby increasing patient satisfaction, and improved visualization, arms articulations, and precision, resulting in fewer surgical complications. The main disadvantages are potential new injuries to the brachial plexus, esophagus, and trachea, longer operative time, and increased cost compared to conventional thyroidectomy. In skilled hands, RATS is a safe alternative to conservative thyroidectomy and should be presented to patients with aesthetic concerns. As with any new emerging technique, careful patient selection is crucial, and further evidence must be sought to confirm its indications over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Rabinovics
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Raphael Feinmesser
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Patrick Aidan
- Department of ENT Head and Neck surgery, The American Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Yaniv Hamzany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gideon Bachar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Dralle H. Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery: as safe as conventional-access thyroid surgery? Eur Thyroid J 2013; 2:71-5. [PMID: 24783043 PMCID: PMC3821511 DOI: 10.1159/000350856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henning Dralle
- *Henning Dralle, MD FRCS FACS, Prof. of Surgery and Chairman, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, DE-06097 Halle/Saale (Germany), E-Mail
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22
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Wharry LI, Stang MT. Robotic Thyroid Surgery. CURRENT SURGERY REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s40137-012-0007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Gross ND. Commentary: is robotic thyroid surgery worth the learning curve? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012; 147:1047-8. [PMID: 23012259 DOI: 10.1177/0194599812461597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous potential applications of robotic technology to head and neck procedures, including thyroidectomy. The learning curve for robotic thyroid surgery appears to be steep, as highlighted in a study published in this issue. This commentary explores the challenges with learning robotic thyroid surgery and questions the potential risks and benefits of increased adoption of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil D Gross
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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