Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease: A Feasibility Study of the Robotic Transaxillary Approach

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Graves' disease (GD) is considered a relative contraindication for endoscopic approaches to the thyroid gland, due to a larger gland size and increased vascularity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experience was performed. We included all patients who underwent thyroidectomy for the treatment of GD over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with GD were identified. Twelve of them underwent robotic thyroidectomy and 13 patients underwent conventional thyroidectomy. Age, gender, and BMI were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The conventional approach allowed for resection of larger thyroid volumes (147.3 ± 153.6 ml), as compared to the robotic approach (62.3 ± 47.8 ml, p = 0.08). The average total operative times were similar in both groups (p = 0.98). There was no difference with respect to intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.49), duration of hospital stay (p = 0.38), and complication rates (p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: Robotic thyroidectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in appropriately selected patients with GD.