Robotic Thyroidectomy

Robotic Thyroidectomy

Robotic thyroidectomy is a novel minimally invasive surgical treatment option for patients requiring thyroid removal, as it leaves no visible scars on the skin. In this surgical procedure, an incision is made in the underarm or chest to provide access to the thyroid gland for the navigation of surgical instruments.

The thyroid gland is removed through the underarm incision without causing any damage to the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. In comparison with conventional thyroidectomy, robotic thyroidectomy surgery is far more precise, less painful, and safer. Since a small incision is used, the recovery time is shorter, and there are no scars on the neck.

Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka is the top hospital for robotic thyroidectomy in Bangalore, offering the best treatment to patients of all age groups. Our hospital provides world-class medical expertise and care through revolutionary advanced treatments for a wide range of ailments related to the endocrine system. Supported by state-of-the-art, high-end medical facilities, robotic thyroidectomy surgery in Bangalore at Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka boasts a high success rate, greater precision and a quicker recovery from surgery.

Why is Robotic Thyroidectomy Performed?

Robotic thyroidectomy, also known as robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the throat, responsible for producing thyroid hormones with specific functions in the body. Thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, may be necessary to treat various thyroid disorders, including the growth of cancerous tumours, non-cancerous growths or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre), and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).

Who is a Good Candidate for Robotic Thyroidectomy?

While robotic thyroidectomy offers a promising and safer alternative to conventional thyroidectomy, it may not be suitable for everyone. However, as technology continues to improve, its applicability may expand to a broader range of patients.

Currently, robotic thyroidectomy treatment may be most effective for patients who meet specific medical and health criteria, including those:

• Patient with thin, long neck
• Size of tumour <4cm
• Ideally for tumour of one lobe of thyroid gland
• Non-Cancerous thyroid nodules /tumours

How is Robotic Thyroidectomy Performed?

Performing the robotic thyroidectomy involves making a small incision in the underarm region through which the thyroid gland becomes accessible. This approach is technically termed as Trans axillary approach. The incision made is 5-7 cm in size and is positioned discreetly, in contrast to most other surgeries, including endoscopic thyroidectomy (a technique enabling the surgeon to perform thyroid surgery through a small skin incision).

The robotic thyroidectomy is carried out using the daVinci surgical Robotic system, an advanced technique that offers precise and accurate surgical capabilities. The daVinci surgical system comprises the following components for delivering treatment:

• Robotic hands: The daVinci system is equipped with four robotic arms, known as EndoWrist instruments, which function similarly to human hands. They can grasp, twist, or manipulate instruments or body parts with great precision.
• 3D camera: A high-definition camera enables visualisation of the thyroid gland with magnification capabilities to guide the robotic system during surgery.
• Console: The surgeon controls the robotic arms through the console, aided by the 3D images generated by the camera system.

During the thyroidectomy surgery, the robotic arms and 3D camera are inserted through the keyhole incisions. The surgeon can manipulate the robotic arms to perform the removal procedure on a portion or the entire thyroid gland, depending on the individual patient’s surgical requirements.

Advantages of Robotic Thyroidectomy

• -Hidden Scar
• -High Precision
• -Less Recovery time
• -Better Cosmesis

The primary advantage of performing a robotic thyroidectomy is the absence of visible scarring. Additionally, the robotic thyroidectomy technique offers several technical benefits.

• Better visibility: Unlike other surgical techniques, which may not provide a complete view of the thyroid gland, especially its deeper structures, the 3D camera used in robotic thyroidectomy offers a magnified and comprehensive view of the thyroid gland.
• Visualisation of critical structures: The robotic surgical system’s 3D camera enhances the visualisation of critical structures in and around the thyroid gland, such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands. These structures would be difficult to see with conventional surgical methods.
• Precise movements: The images captured by the 3D camera aid surgeons in navigating the robotic arms with exceptional precision. The robotic arms offer six degrees of freedom, allowing for movements in parts of the thyroid gland that would be inaccessible to human hands.
• Shorter recovery time: Since robotic thyroidectomy is not a conventional open surgery, it involves minimal intervention and results in minimal scarring at the incision site. Furthermore, it preserves the vital structures in and around the thyroid gland, leading to a shorter recovery time and a reduced hospital stay.

Additionally, the robotic thyroidectomy procedure allows for the maximum preservation of healthy tissues while minimising damage to the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. This technique is also more convenient to perform compared to other thyroid surgery procedures, such as endoscopic thyroidectomy, which may require neck expansion for improved access to the thyroid.

Risks of Robotic Thyroidectomy

Being a minimally invasive surgery performed with great precision using robotic technology, robotic thyroidectomy surgery eliminates many of the complications associated with the procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries some inherent risks, including:

1. Bleeding at the site of incision
2. Infection at the surgical site
3. Damage to surrounding blood vessels

Recovery after Robotic Thyroidectomy

Ideally, the time required for recovery from robotic thyroidectomy largely depends on the patient’s overall health and medical history. Typically, patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy surgery recover within 2 weeks after the procedure. Most patients can resume their routine work and daily activities within 4-5 days post-surgery. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid straining or stressing the upper body, particularly the head and neck areas, during the recovery period. Follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor progress, and the patient may receive prescriptions for both short-term and long-term medications. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to support the post-surgery recovery process.

What is the Cost of Robotic Thyroidectomy?

A robotic thyroidectomy surgery, which utilises advanced technology for the procedure, results in fewer scars and post-surgical complications. The cost of robotic thyroidectomy in Bangalore typically ranges from Rs. 3l-3.5l

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka?

At Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka, we are dedicated to delivering advanced treatments using state-of-the-art facilities and minimally invasive equipment to ensure the best possible care for our patients. Through continuous research and development, we aim to offer pain-free interventional treatments with improved medical outcomes. Our team comprises of highly experienced and Bangalore’s top robotic thyroidectomy specialist, who have a remarkable track record of success in providing innovative surgical treatments to patients of all ages.

– Dr. P Subramanya Rao