Robotic facelift thyroidectomy: Facilitating remote access surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A novel remote access robotic thyroidectomy technique has been described that uses as its portal a postauricular and occipital hairline (facelift) incision. Experimental investigation and clinical validation have been completed. A detailed technical description is provided. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A young woman with a thyroid nodule was referred for surgery. Because of her concerns about a visible neck scar, she opted for remote access thyroidectomy. RESULTS: A left robotic facelift thyroidectomy was performed in less than 2 hours as a drainless, outpatient procedure. Videographic demonstration of the robotic resection is included. CONCLUSIONS: A number of remote access thyroidectomy techniques have proliferated. We developed and described an intuitive approach that uses familiar dissection planes and avoids the need for breast incisions and crossing the clavicle.