Factors affecting operative time in robotic thyroidectomy

Abstract

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors related to operative time in robotic thyroidectomy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 240 patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy. The total thyroidectomy cases and lobectomy cases were both categorized into those with long operative times (LOTs; upper 25% of cases) and those with short operative times (SOTs; lower 25%). Results Among the total thyroidectomy cases, body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.34; P = .008) and bilateral central neck dissection (CND; HR 14.92; P = .028) were more frequent in the LOT group in multivariate analysis. Among the lobectomy cases, BMI ≥23 kg/m 2 (HR 12.92; P = .003) and unilateral CND (HR 21.38; P = .017) were the only independent risk factors for prolonged operative time. Conclusion Body habitus and clinical nodal status in the central compartment should be considered in deciding the indications for robotic thyroidectomy.