Robotic endocrine surgery: state of the art

Abstract

Over the last decade, developments in technology have led a rapid progress in robotic endocrine surgery applications. Robotics is attractive to the surgeon because of the three-dimensional image quality, articulating instruments, and stable surgical platform. Safety and effectiveness of robotic adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy have been shown in many studies. While these robotic procedures offer better ergonomics for the surgeon, they provide similar outcomes compared to the laparoscopic approach for adrenalectomy and better cosmetic results versus the conventional option for thyroidectomy. Recently, while the robotic approach for adrenalectomy has been popularized, enthusiasm for robotic thyroidectomy has decreased. In the present review we aim to describe emerging robotic procedures and review the literature regarding outcomes.