ll Ku Kang

About

Dr. Il Ku Kang is a pioneering endocrine surgeon whose research focuses on advancing minimally invasive thyroid surgery, particularly through robotic and single-port techniques. His major contributions center on establishing the safety, efficacy, and learning curve for single-port transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy (SP-TART), a procedure that eliminates visible neck scars while maintaining oncologic outcomes. In his landmark 2022 study analyzing the initial 50 lobectomy cases, Dr. Kang demonstrated that surgical proficiency for SP-TART is achievable after approximately 30 procedures, providing crucial guidance for surgeons adopting this technique. This work, with 14 citations, has become a foundational reference for robotic thyroid surgery training programs. Beyond this, Dr. Kang's broader research portfolio explores optimizing surgical outcomes, reducing complications, and expanding indications for robotic approaches in thyroid disease. His meticulous documentation of the learning curve has directly influenced how institutions structure their robotic surgery curricula, ultimately improving patient access to scarless thyroid surgery. Dr. Kang's dedication to refining surgical innovation makes him a key figure in the evolution of endocrine surgery.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   The learning curve for single-port transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy (SP-TART): experience through initial 50 cases of lobectomy

   14 citations · 2022

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links