Feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy via hairline incision using da Vinci single port system: Initial experience with 40 consecutive cases

Background This study aimed to introduce our robotic technique, which can minimize dissection extent using the da Vinci SP robotic system via hairline incision. Methods Forty patients underwent robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic system via a hairline incision between February 2020 and April 2021 at Ulsan University Hospital. All procedures were performed successfully by one surgeon using the SP robotic system. Results Hemithyroidectomies were performed in 32 patients and total thyroidectomies in eight patients. Central neck dissection was performed in 32 patients. The overall mean operative time was 140.2 +/- 50.7 min, and the mean console time was 74.0 +/- 42.7 min. All patients were discharged on the second or third day after operation without any complications. Conclusions Robotic thyroidectomy using the SP robotic system via hairline incision is technically feasible and safe, with a shorter incision length when compared with that of the Xi system.