Robot-assisted thyroidectomy with novel camera-port retractor

Abstract

We performed gasless transaxillary robot-assisted thyroidectomy with a novel camera-port retractor (CP retractor). Herein, we describe the new instrument and its efficacy, which was evaluated by performing robot-assisted thyroidectomy. From October 2009 to August 2012, a total of 12 patients underwent robot-assisted thyroidectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System. The CP retractor was used in all cases, and we use the Maryland bipolar forceps and the microbipolar forceps on both arms for dissection of the surrounding tissues as well as for cutting and coagulation to avoid injury to the vessels and the nerves. The CP retractor provided excellent visualization without robotic arm instrument interference. The novel retractor is useful and safe, and the use of bipolar instruments is an effective option for robotic dissection around the nerves in the robot-assisted thyroidectomy.