Single Areolar Robotic Approach for Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy Without Additional Ports: A Feasibility Case Series
10.16956/jes.2026.26.1.21
- Author:
Jong-hyuk AHN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Short Communication
- From:
Journal of Endocrine Surgery
2026;26(1):21-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Remote-access thyroidectomy has been developed to improve cosmetic outcomes while preserving surgical safety. With the introduction of single-arm robotic surgical systems, single-port robotic areolar approaches (SPRA) have been reported. However, previously described SPRA techniques still required an additional auxiliary port. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy performed through a single areolar incision without additional ports, termed the single areolar robotic approach (SARA). We retrospectively reviewed 3 patients who underwent robotic endocrine surgery using SARA, including 2 thyroidectomies and one parathyroidectomy.All procedures were successfully completed with single incision, and postoperative vocal cord function was preserved in all patients. Two patients developed immediate postoperative hypoparathyroidism; one recovered during follow-up, while the other required ongoing observation. This case series suggests that SARA may be a feasible and safe strategy for true single-incision robotic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy in selected patients.
