Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Robotic Versus Conventional Completion Thyroidectomy: A 10-year Experience

Abstract

Background: Robotic thyroidectomy is gaining popularity, yet its role in completion thyroidectomy remains unclear. We aimed to compare robotic vs conventional completion thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients undergoing completion thyroidectomy from 2010-2020, either by conventional open technique (n = 87) or a robotic remote-access approach (n = 44). Outcomes were compared between groups. Results: A total of 131 patients were included. The robotic cohort was younger (45.3 ± 14.0 vs 55.5 ± 14.5 years, P < 0.001) with a lower BMI (25.9 ± 5.5 vs 33.7 ± 7.8 kg/m2, P < 0.001). Operative time was longer for robotic procedures (139 min vs 99 min, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter after robotic surgery, with 25% discharged the same day as compared to 5.7% in the open thyroidectomy cohort (P = 0.006). Overall rates of complication were comparable (P = 0.65). Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 4.6% of patients, which was similar between both cohorts (P = 0.66). Conclusion: Robotic completion thyroidectomy appears safe and effective, achieving shorter hospitalization than conventional open approaches despite longer operative times. Appropriate patient selection and surgical technique optimization are key. Larger prospective studies should investigate costs and long-term patient-reported outcomes.