H.R. Ryu

Background/Hypothesis
Until recently the robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy had been performed with the two-incision system (axilla and Ant. chest wall) in our institutes. But in this paper we introduce the procedure of single-incision robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy for thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach only, without the Ant. chest wall incision.

Materials & Methods
From 29th Jul. 2009 to 28th Aug. 2009, 71 patients underwent single-incision robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless trans-axillary approach. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. Patient’s clinico-pathologic characteristics, operation types, operation times (working space times, docking times and console times) and complications were evaluated.

Results
Mean patient age was 38.8 years (range 19~54) and the male to female ratio was 1:12.7. Twenty two patients underwent bilateral total thyroidectomys and 49 patients underwent less than total thyroidectomy. Mean total operation time was 126.4 min. (79~179 min.), working space time was 35.8 ±10.2 min, docking time was 5.5 ±1.6 min and console time was 53.3 22.7 min. No serious postoperative complication was occurred.

Conclusions
The single-incision robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy for thyroid surgery using a gasless trans-axillary approach is not more difficult and has better cosmetic results.

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