Open versus robotic thyroidectomy: is it really a controversial choice?

Abstract

Since its introduction by Kocker in 1878, open thyroidectomy (OT) is among the most commonly applied surgical procedures around the world. Due to its routine application, it is usually quite safe in the majority of cases. However, like every surgical procedure, it cannot be considered riskfree. In spite of the fact that many improvements in surgical skills have been reached in recent years, the same incidence of postoperative complications its inventor met in the late 19th century are largely still to be dealt with.