Transoral robotic thyroidectomy on two human cadavers using the Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic surgical system and CO2 insufflation: Preclinical feasibility study

Abstract

Background Transoral vestibular approach endoscopic thyroidectomy has gained popularity worldwide because it avoids a cutaneous incision. Some surgeons have expressed reservations about operating with only 2 instruments in the endoscopic technique, and some therefore utilize an axillary incision as an adjunct to facilitate dissection. The Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic system offers the potential to overcome this limitation without an axillary incision. Methods In this study, the Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic surgical system was used to perform transoral thyroidectomy on 2 human cadavers. Results A total thyroidectomy was performed in 2 cadavers using the da Vinci single port (SP) robot via transoral vestibular technique. The dissections were performed with removal of the thyroid gland and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. Conclusion In our evaluation, transoral vestibular approach robotic thyroidectomy using the Intuitive da Vinci SP system facilitated dissection without the need for an axillary incision.