Robotic thyroid surgery: Clinical and anatomic considerations

Robotic thyroid surgery is a relatively new technique that provides the patient with the aesthetic advantage of a surgery without a scar in the anterior cervical region. The use of this technique, however, forces the surgeon to view the anatomy from a different vantage point, concomitantly providing the surgeon with a challenge with respect to dissection and sound oncologic ablation. It is important to note that robotic surgery used in this fashion is not limited access but rather requires a greater surface area of dissection to reach the surgical target. This article will discuss the relevant anatomy, operative goals, robotic technique, and clinical considerations of robotic thyroid surgery.