Jagadishwar Goud. G¹, Harika Tirunagari^1,, M.Bala Vikas Kumar²

Introduction: Thyroidectomy from age old days is done by conventional direct neck approach leaving a scar which is cosmetically unappealing. In this study we make use of a natural orifice, the oral cavity, for thyroidectomy using the Da Vinci Robotic system. Methods and Materials: This is study of 15 patients undergoing trans oral robotic thyroidectomy for benign diseases over a period of 7 months in a single institute, Yashoda super speciality hospital, secunderabad. Results: Out of 15 patients, 3 had lower lip edema in the immediate postoperative period which subsided without any intervention. No evidence of surgical emphysema in any patient. There were no other complications like mental nerve palsy or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy noted. Oral feeds were allowed on the 2nd post operative day and all the patients were discharged on the 3rd post operative day. Conclusions: Robotic Trans-oral approach to thyroid is gaining demand due to superior cosmetic results. The flexibility of the endo-wrist of the robot comes into play for the dissection of the thyroid gland in the restricted space. Robot provides a 3D vision which gives an added advantage of identification and meticulous handling of the neuro vascular structures avoiding complications.

robotic thyroidectomy, transoral, natural orifice, recurrent laryngeal nerve, endo-wrist