TY - JOUR A2 - Schöb, Othmar AU - Sephton, B. M. PY - 2019 DA - 2019/08/20 TI - Extracervical Approaches to Thyroid Surgery: Evolution and Review SP - 5961690 VL - 2019 AB - Over the last two decades, advances and adaptation of technology have led to a variety of endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures being performed. The drive for extracervical procedures has been predominantly influenced by the desire for improved cosmesis via avoidance of visible scars. Extracervical techniques have shown considerable evolution with approaches that have included transaxillary, breast, postauricular, and transoral routes. There has been a varied evidence base for each of these approaches with regard to technical feasibility, safety, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. In recent years, robotic-assisted thyroid surgery has gained increased popularity worldwide with the introduction of the da Vinci Robot. Reports of improved postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction have been in contrast to the financial burden, longer operative time, and increased training required which, to date, have limited widespread application. The aim of this review is to describe the evolution of extracervical procedures including surgical approaches, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages. Consideration is also given to the future direction of extracervical thyroid surgery with regard to the safety, feasibility, and application of robotic systems. SN - 2090-1445 UR - https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5961690 DO - 10.1155/2019/5961690 JF - Minimally Invasive Surgery PB - Hindawi KW - ER -