Endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy for cancer

Abstract

This article focuses on endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques for the treatment of thyroid cancer. The most widely applied techniques are minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy, as well as various combinations using a primarily axillary-based approach. Although there are few large studies delineating the benefits of endoscopic thyroid resection when compared with traditional thyroidectomy, in patients who desire the lack of a cervical incision, endoscopic thyroidectomy provides a safe and oncologically effective surgical option when applied by experienced surgeons. Endoscopic surgical treatment of thyroid disease is a developing field and deserves further study before widespread application.