Robotic thyroidectomy learning curve for beginning surgeons with little or no experience of endoscopic surgery
Authors
Jae Hyun Park ; Jandee Lee ; Woong Youn Chung ; Seong Joon Kang ; Keum Seok Bae ; Kee Hyun Nam ; Jong Ju Jeong ; Sang Wook Kang ; Ha Yan Kim ; Nor Azham Hakim
Citation
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Vol.37(12) : 1705-1711, 2015
robotic thyroidectomy ; robot ; thyroidectomy ; learning curve ; beginners ; trainer ; trainee ; robot training ; training program
Abstract
Background : This study assessed the results of robotic thyroidectomy by fellowship-trained surgeons in their initial independent practice, and whether standard fellowship training for robotic surgery shortens the learning curve.
Methods : This prospective cohort study evaluated outcomes in 125 patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy using gasless transaxillary single-incision technique by 2 recently graduated fellowship-trained surgeons. Learning curves were analyzed by operation time, with proficiency defined as the point at which the slope of the time curve became less steep.
Results : Of the 125 patients, 113 underwent robotic less-than-total thyroidectomy, 9 underwent robotic total thyroidectomy and 3 underwent robotic total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection. Mean total times for these 3 operations were 100.8 ± 20.6 minutes, 134.2 ± 38.7 minutes, and 284.7 ± 60.4 minutes, respectively. For both surgeons, the operation times gradually decreased, reaching a plateau after 20 robotic less-than-total thyroidectomies.
Conclusion : The surgical learning curve for robotic thyroidectomy performed by recently graduated fellowship-trained surgeons with little or no experience in endoscopic surgery showed excellent results compared with those in a large series of more experienced surgeons.