Our Summary

This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a type of robotic surgery for thyroid conditions, specifically the bilateral axillary breast approach (BABA RT). It compared this approach with the more traditional open surgery. The researchers also examined how long it took for surgeons to become proficient at BABA RT.

The results showed that there were no significant differences in general characteristics, short-term outcomes (such as temporary issues with the parathyroid glands, post-surgery hoarseness, fluid build-up, length of hospital stay, and other complications), the number of lymph nodes removed, and recurrence rates between the robotic and traditional surgery groups. However, the robotic group did remove fewer lateral lymph nodes than the conventional group.

As for the learning curve, it took surgeons about 15 cases to become proficient at creating the surgical workspace, 30 cases for lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the thyroid), and 20 cases for total thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid).

The study concluded that BABA RT is a viable option in terms of surgical completeness, safety, and oncological safety. It also provided a benchmark for determining when a surgeon has become proficient at BABA RT.

FAQs

  1. What is the bilateral axillary breast approach (BABA RT)?
  2. How long does it take for surgeons to become proficient at BABA RT?
  3. Are there differences in the safety and effectiveness between robotic and traditional thyroidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and monitoring for any signs of complications such as difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support recovery and overall thyroid health. Additionally, discussing any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring a successful recovery and optimal thyroid function.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for thyroidectomy typically have conditions such as thyroid cancer, enlarged thyroid nodules causing difficulty swallowing or breathing, hyperthyroidism that does not respond to medication, or suspicious thyroid nodules that need to be biopsied. Thyroidectomy may also be recommended for patients with Graves’ disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to become overactive.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient will undergo pre-operative testing and evaluation to determine the need for surgery
  • Patient will receive information about the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative care
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or adjust their diet before surgery
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient will be monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate complications
  • Patient will be given pain medication and instructions for wound care
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice due to nerve damage during surgery
  • Patient will need to follow up with their surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life
  • Patient may experience changes in their metabolism, weight, energy levels, and mood post-surgery
  • Long-term follow up will involve monitoring for any signs of thyroid cancer recurrence or complications from surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thyroidectomy surgery?
  2. How experienced are you in performing robotic thyroidectomy using the BABA RT approach?
  3. How long does it typically take for a surgeon to become proficient at BABA RT?
  4. Will I need to take any medications or follow any specific post-operative care instructions after the surgery?
  5. How will my thyroid levels be monitored after the surgery?
  6. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery?
  7. What is the expected recovery time and when can I expect to return to normal activities?
  8. Will I need to follow up with you for any additional tests or appointments after the surgery?
  9. Are there any potential long-term effects of thyroidectomy that I should be aware of?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my thyroid condition that I should consider before undergoing surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ouyang H, Xue W, Zhang Z, Cong R, Sun B, Xia F, Li X. Journal: Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Aug 31;13:942973. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.942973. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36120424