title: Qualitative and quantitative differences between 2 robotic thyroidectomy techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Two distinct remote access robotic thyroidectomy techniques were implemented in a high-volume endocrine surgery practice. Important technical and clinical differences were observed and are described.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study with planned data collection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thyroid center.
  
  
  METHODS
  A panel of demographic and clinical parameters was captured in a series of patients undergoing 1 of 2 robotic thyroidectomy techniques (robotic axillary thyroidectomy [RAT] or robotic facelift thyroidectomy [RFT]). Particular attention was paid to time of surgery, ease of dissection, complications, use of drains, and length of stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen robotic hemithyroidectomies were accomplished by either RAT (n = 5) or RFT (n = 10). The duration of surgery for RAT averaged 196 ± 38.1 minutes, with no clear downward trend observed. The mean time of surgery for RFT was 156.9 ± 16.3 minutes, with a steady trend toward shorter surgical times. All 5 RAT patients were managed with drains and as inpatients (length of stay = 1.0 days); 9 of 10 RFT patients were managed without drains and on an outpatient basis (the first patient had a drain and was observed for 1 night in the hospital; P < .001). Ease of surgery, familiarity with anatomic dissection planes, and surgeon comfort level all favored RFT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In an early experience of a small series of patients, a more rapid learning curve reflected by shorter operative times was observed with robotic facelift thyroidectomy compared with robotic axillary thyroidectomy. Furthermore, the vast majority of patients could be managed as outpatients, which represents one of several apparent advantages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912-4060, USA. dterris@georgiahealth.edu
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Terris
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Singer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012371:Robotics; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*