Recent advances in single-port robotic thyroidectomy:evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes
10.4174/astr.2026.110.1.3
- Author:
Jin Kyong KIM
1
;
Dong Wook KIM
;
Jae Sang RYU
;
Sungkeun KANG
;
Eun Jin KIM
;
Sang-Wook KANG
;
Jong Ju JEONG
;
Kee-Hyun NAM
;
Woong Youn CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:REVIEW ARTICLE
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2026;110(1):3-11
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Robotic thyroidectomy has progressed from multiport to single-port (SP) platforms to minimize invasiveness and improve cosmesis. The da Vinci SP system (Intuitive Surgical) combines a flexible 3-dimensional endoscope with 3 wristed instruments in a single 2.5-cm cannula-enabled concealed remote access route and mitigates external arm collisions.This review synthesized PubMed-indexed reports (2020–2025) on SP robotic thyroidectomy using the following approaches:transaxillary variants, SP areolar, retroauricular/facelift (SP-hairline variants), and transoral approach. We focused on technical refinement, learning curves, and clinical outcomes. We highlight technical refinements and clinical outcomes across access routes. Contemporary series indicate that SP thyroidectomy is feasible and safe in well-selected patients, with high cosmetic satisfaction and operative metrics comparable to those of multiport cohorts. Among the SP routes, transaxillary variants have the most mature peer-reviewed reporting and are therefore discussed in greater detail. Early applications of SP-assisted lateral neck dissection have also been described. The limitations of current SP platforms include constrained counter-traction, reduced internal workspace, and incomplete integration of advanced energy devices.Nonetheless, ongoing device innovations and the growing global experience suggest that SP systems will increasingly shape endocrine neck surgeries.
