Robotic Thyroid Surgery

While thyroid surgery has been performed safely for nearly a century, the societal desire for a smaller and less visible surgical incision and consequent neck wound have become increasingly important for some patients. Within the last 5 years, thyroid surgical methods have been adapted by several groups to utilize robotic platform technology with the goal of achieving safe resection of the thyroid gland without a visible neck blemish. We review the currently published data regarding the use of surgical robotic platforms to perform remote access thyroid surgery. In particular, the currently described approaches, outcomes, complication profile, learning curve, and cost are examined. We also discuss the utility of the approach in populations of special interest to the endocrine surgeon, and a rational framework for adoption of the technology among surgeons interested in adding this technique to their armamentarium.