Abstract
Objective: Robotic thyroidectomy and conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy have not been thoroughly compared. In this study, we compared the potential advantages of robotic versus endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Method: We analyzed 218 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic (105 cases) or robotic (113 cases) thyroidectomy using a gasless unilateral axillo-breast (GUAB) or axillary (GUA) approach.
Results: Because of the dexterity of robotic instruments and the improved surgical view, it was subjectively easier and took less time to perform a complete total thyroidectomy and central compartment neck dissections (CCND) in robotic thyroidectomy. In the case of unilateral lobectomy, endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy had quite similar surgical outcomes. Cosmetic satisfaction was excellent in both groups.
Conclusion: Robotic thyroidectomy is superior to endoscopic thyroidectomy for performing total thyroidectomy and bilateral CCND. However, in terms of cost-effectiveness, endoscopic thyroidectomy is comparable to robotic thyroidectomy in patients who undergo unilateral lobectomy.
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