Single-incision transaxillary robotic total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease: improved feasibility and safety with novel robotic instrumentation

BACKGROUND: Graves' disease represents a relative contraindication for robotic thyroidectomy due to increased vascularity with a higher risk of intraoperative bleeding. With a novel robotic instrumentation, however, it is possible to reduce this risk considerably.

METHODS: A 30-year-old female patient with Graves' disease and keloid-prone olive skin underwent a single-incision transaxillary robotic total thyroidectomy through the left axilla using an 8-mm Fenestrated bipolar forceps instead of the standard 8-mm ProGrasp forceps.

RESULTS: Total blood loss was 25 ml, and robotic console time was 132 min. There was no postoperative recurrent palsy. Postoperative parathormone level was 47 ng/l (preop.: 56 ng/l), and serum calcium level was normal at 2,17 mmol/l (preop.: 2,23 mmol/l).

CONCLUSION: Transaxillary robotic surgery (TARS) with unilateral single-incision access is feasible and safe for Graves' disease with minimal blood loss and reduced risk of conversion thanks to the bipolar capability of the 8-mm Fenestrated bipolar forceps.