The Recent Advances in Robotic Transoral Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Purpose of Review Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) is one of the latest approaches in remote-access thyroid surgery. This review presents the current indications for TORT, an in-depth description of the surgical procedure, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, potential complications, and latest advances for this procedure. Recent Findings TORT has the advantages of excellent cosmesis, short distance from oral vestibule to the neck, and midline approach which allows easy access to bilateral thyroid glands and central compartment. In addition, the use of robotic arms ensures wristed instruments, tremor elimination, and reduced clashing of instruments with endoscope. Complication rates are low; however, the use of robotic systems is costly and there may be a steep learning curve. TORT can be performed safely with careful patient selection and with an experienced robotic surgeon and it is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of certain thyroid conditions.