First case of combined robot-assisted thymectomy and transaxillary thyroidectomy: technique and robot-docking optimization

J Robot Surg. 2017 Jun;11(2):239-241. doi: 10.1007/s11701-016-0632-6. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Abstract

Robot-assisted thymectomy and total transaxillary thyroidectomy represent two excellent therapeutic options for functional and oncological diseases of these two organs. We report the first case in literature of combined robot-assisted resection. The patient was positioned in supine position with the left arm raised cranially 90°-120° to expose the axillary area. After completing the thymectomy we rotated 30° counter-clockwise the robot for the second surgical time. This led to an optimization of disposable instruments and a gain in terms of hospitalization and postoperative recovery for the patient. To perform these two procedures it was enough to rotate 30° the robot.

Keywords: Robotics; Thymectomy; Thymus; Thyroid; Transaxillary thyroidectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Goiter / complications
  • Goiter / diagnosis
  • Goiter / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Cyst / complications
  • Mediastinal Cyst / diagnosis
  • Mediastinal Cyst / surgery
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Thymectomy / methods*
  • Thyroidectomy / methods*