A new technique for robotic thyroidectomy: "the daVinci gasless single-incision axillary approach".

Abstract

Robotic thyroidectomy has been recently introduced as a new modality of treatment for selected benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The standard technique, popularized by a leading Korean group, combines an axillary and a thoracic approach to accomplish thyroid resection without neck incision. We recently introduced a modified technique that has enabled us to complete robotic thyroidectomy through a single axillary incision. We herein report our initial successful experience in 35 cases with the modified technique.