Keunchul Lee

Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Keunchul Lee is a pioneering surgeon whose work sits at the intersection of endocrine surgery and cutting-edge robotics. His primary research focuses on advancing robotic thyroidectomy techniques—particularly via the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA)—and integrating augmented reality (AR) into surgical navigation. Lee’s major contributions include developing a vision-based AR tracking system that overlays critical structures like the recurrent laryngeal nerve and trachea onto the surgical field during robotic thyroid surgery, a breakthrough that enhances precision and safety. His studies comparing the da Vinci S, Si, X, and Xi robotic platforms have provided essential guidance for optimizing surgical outcomes across different systems. With his most-cited work accumulating over 30 citations, Lee’s research directly addresses key clinical challenges: reducing complication rates in completion thyroidectomies and improving nerve localization. His achievements have helped establish BABA robotic thyroidectomy as a global standard, offering patients superior cosmetic results without compromising safety. For students and researchers, Lee’s work represents a compelling model of how surgical innovation—merging robotics, imaging, and anatomy—can transform patient care.