Robotic Parathyroidectomy: A Prospective Case Control Study

Objective: 1) To assess the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the robotic approach compared with conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 2) To evaluate whether the absence of a neck scar associated with the robotic approach offers any advantage(s) over conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 3) To compare patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques.Method: Prospective case control study of 30 patients that underwent targeted parathyroidectomy over 4 years (May 2009-February 2012) in a tertiary referral endocrine center. Fifteen patients had a robotic and 15 an endoscopic approach. Outcomes assessed included operative time, blood loss, biochemistry, pain, scar cosmesis, voice, quality of life, and complications.Results: In all cases the parathyroid adenoma was successfully removed. There was 1 robotic conversion. Mean robotic operative time was approximately double that of the conventional approach. There were no significant differences in mean blood loss...