Three‐port transoral robotic thyroidectomy without axillary incision: A preliminary report on a case series from Vietnam

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) is one of the newest approaches and draws attention because of its cosmetic excellence. Here, we present our preliminary data from the initial 5 consecutive patients to explore the feasibility of three-port TORT without axillary incision. METHODS: From August 2022 to December 2022, we performed TORT using three ports via the da Vinci Xi system with three robotic arms. RESULTS: All 5 patients had cT1aN0M0 papillary thyroid carcinomas with a mean tumour size of 6 mm. All patients underwent lobectomy with ipsilateral central neck dissection. The mean surgical time was 170 ± 15,8 min; the average length of hospital stay is 4.2 days. The number of retrieved central lymph nodes was 4.2 ± 0.8. All patients were discharged uneventfully without complications and completely satisfied with the cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: TORT is feasible and safe when performed on carefully selected patients by experienced surgeons.