Current and Future of Robotic Surgery in Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Thyroid cancer is among the most common endocrine malignancies, necessitating effective surgical interventions. Traditional open cervicotomy has long been the standard approach for thyroidectomy. However, the advent of robotic surgery has introduced new possibilities for minimally invasive procedures with benefits in terms of cosmetic outcomes, enhanced precision, comparable complication rates, and reduced recovery time. This study mainly reviewed the most widely used and well-known robotic thyroidectomy approaches: the transaxillary approach, the bilateral axillo–breast approach, and the transoral approach. This review examines the current status and future potential of robotic surgery in thyroid cancer treatment, comparing its efficacy, safety, and outcomes with those of conventional open cervicotomy. Challenges such as a longer operative time and higher costs exist. Future directions include technological advancements, tele-surgery, single-port surgery, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Robotic surgery holds promise in optimizing patient outcomes in thyroid cancer treatment.