Single Port Hairline Approach Thyroidectomy

Traditional open (transcervical) thyroidectomy is a safe and effective standard approach; however, it inevitably leaves a visible neck scar, which can cause significant distress to the patient. Robotic surgical systems have further advanced thyroid surgery by offering enhanced three-dimensional visualization and precise, wristed instrument control, thereby minimizing the risk of injury to critical nerves and vessels and potentially reducing bleeding and recovery time. Single-port robotic thyroidectomy has been successfully performed via transoral, areolar, axillary, and hairline (posterior neck) incisions. Here, we describe the technique of single port hairline approach thyroidectomy (SPHAT), which uses a solitary incision concealed along the hairline. We summarize the step-by-step surgical procedure and clinical experience, and suggest that SPHAT is feasible and safe even in challenging patient populations, and that it may play a valuable role in the future of thyroid surgery.