title: Transoral robotic excision of ectopic lingual thyroid: Case series and literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical excision of an ectopic lingual thyroid has traditionally been associated with significant morbidity and has therefore been reserved for patients with severe obstructive symptoms or suspected malignancy. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has provided a minimally invasive approach to completely and safely excise ectopic lingual thyroid.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three index cases were identified from the detailed clinical database of TORS patients. A systematic review of the management of ectopic lingual thyroid in the English literature was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TORS-assisted excision of a lingual thyroid gland was successfully performed in 3 patients with excellent functional outcomes
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TORS-assisted excision of an ectopic lingual thyroid is a safe and feasible treatment modality with minimal morbidity, and, in experienced hands, should be offered as a valid treatment for this pathology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Eitan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prisman
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patsias
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Head Neck and Thyroid Center, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Genden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000209:etiology; D046151:Lingual Thyroid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: lingual thyroid; minimal morbidity; minimally invasive; transoral robotic surgery