Transoral robotic selective neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: Dissection of Levels III and IV.

Abstract

We present the operative procedure of transoral robotic selective neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. A 28-year-old woman, diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma and lymph node metastasis at right level IV, underwent total thyroidectomy, central neck dissection, and selective neck dissection involving levels III and IV via the transoral robotic approach. A 1.5-2-cm central incision was made near the base of the lower lip frenulum, and two lateral incisions were made close to the oral commissure. An additional right axillary port was made to place a third robotic instrument for counter-traction. The operation was completed successfully without conversion to the conventional transcervical approach. The working space and surgical view were enough to perform selective neck dissection of levels III and IV. There were no major postoperative complications. Transoral robotic selective neck dissection of levels III and IV is feasible and safe in selected patients.