Robotic Retroauricular Thyroidectomy

Patient complaints regarding cosmetic outcomes of conventional thyroid surgery have encouraged continuous innovations in surgical techniques, and incision size has been progressively reduced through the development and use of auxiliary devices. Endoscopic methods can significantly reduce the size of neck region incisions, and local incisions can be eliminated completely by accessing the region endoscopically via axillary, oral, and retroauricular approaches. Use of the da Vinci robotic system for head and neck surgery has further improved cosmetic outcomes. Here publications are reviewed related to Robotic Retroauricular Thyroidectomy (RRT) and evaluate the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of the method. Keywords: Robot; Surgery; Thyroid; Retroauricula