Depending on your situation, thyroid surgery may be the best option to ensure a better quality of life. We understand that this can be intimidating, however, our multidisciplinary team is with you every step of the way.
At the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery, a part of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, we do everything we can to make surgical care as comfortable and easy for you. As part of that, we offer scarless thyroid surgery. This innovative and effective technique for removing some or all of the thyroid gland is minimally invasive. It leaves your neck without a scar. In fact, because it involves smaller incisions (typically "hidden" in the armpit), it also enables you to have a quicker recovery.
What is robotic scarless thyroid surgery?
Robotic or robot-assisted surgery involves the use of sought-after advanced systems designed to enhance our skilled surgeons' abilities. These systems typically look like large machines with multiple "arms" with tiny surgical instruments attached at the ends.
Throughout your robot-assisted scarless thyroid procedure, the surgeons are in complete control of all the equipment. They use a nearby console to move the robotic arms in extremely precise ways. This offers you a fast, highly accurate surgery with minimal physical trauma to your body.
Here, we offer scarless thyroid surgery in two ways — robotically (using robot-assisted technology) and transorally (via the mouth).
Benefits of scarless thyroid surgery
In the past, thyroid surgery has resulted in a long scar on the front of the neck that can remain very visible for many years. Although these scars are not painful or dangerous, it's not uncommon for patients to feel self-conscious about them. With scarless thyroid surgery, we can avoid the scar on your neck while still offering you excellent outcomes.
This is because we are able to operate through smaller incisions in less visible places, such as the armpit. This leaves only small, hidden scars that can diminish or nearly vanish in time. Additionally, when we use a robotic approach, you'll receive other benefits, such as a quicker recovery and less postsurgical pain.
Who is a candidate for robotic thyroid surgery?
Many people who need thyroid surgery for thyroid nodules or goiters are good candidates for the robotic approach. Because surgeons on our medical staff are highly experienced with this technique, they are also able to offer the robotic approach to many patients who have thyroid cancer.
Whatever condition you have, we will work closely with you to address your questions and concerns while figuring out the best treatment plan for your unique needs. If robotic surgery isn't right for you, we will work with you on alternative options. Our goal is to offer the same outcomes and cure rates as traditional surgery — minus the scarring and lengthy recovery.
Who performs robotic thyroid surgery?
This approach must be performed by specially trained, highly skilled surgeons, which is why only a handful of locations worldwide are able to offer it. We are proud to be one of those locations.
Specifically, robot-assisted surgery must be performed by a well-trained surgeon working with a dedicated surgical team. This is why surgeons at our facility have made scarless thyroid surgery their specialty. They will provide you with the high-quality, comprehensive care you deserve — from surgical counseling to postsurgical follow-up services.