[Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery].

The robot-assisted transaxillary (hemi)thyroidectomy (RATT) is a new surgical technique using the da Vinci S surgery robot. This technique has recently been successfully introduced in the Netherlands. In a RATT a subcutaneous tunnel from the axilla is created to gain access to the thyroid gland. The operation is then carried out with the robot much like an open procedure. Using a RATT, a total thyroidectomy can be performed. However, surgeons at the beginning of the learning curve are advised to start with hemithyroidectomies only. The indication area consists of nodules up to three centimeters and most probably being benign. The major advantage of this technique is the prevention of a potentially disfiguring scar. The most important disadvantage of this technique is its high cost compared with the conventional procedure. In order to successfully introduce the RATT procedure, thorough preparation by both surgeons and operating room personnel is required. A proctoring program is also necessary.