UAE surgeons remove thyroid nodule using robotic technique through tiny underarm incisions.
Abu Dhabi: Doctors at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) have successfully carried out the UAE’s first robotic thyroid surgery on a 27-year-old woman, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgical care.
The patient was able to leave the hospital just one day after undergoing the procedure, which offers eligible patients an alternative to conventional thyroid surgery.
Instead of making an incision at the front of the neck, surgeons used small cuts beneath the patient’s arms to access and operate on the thyroid gland.
The advanced technique eliminates the need for a visible neck scar while giving surgeons enhanced visibility and precision during the operation.
Patient experienced swallowing difficulties and choking sensation
The patient, Caroline, 27, sought medical attention at SSMC after developing swelling in her neck that made swallowing difficult and caused a choking sensation while she slept.
Following a series of medical examinations, doctors discovered a 3cm thyroid nodule with abnormal features on the left side of her thyroid gland.
Surgery was recommended, and after carefully assessing her condition, the medical team determined that she was a suitable candidate for the robotic procedure.
A multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, an anaesthetist and nursing staff performed the operation using small incisions in both armpits.
The procedure was completed in approximately one hour, and Caroline recovered sufficiently to be discharged the following day.
How is robotic thyroid surgery different from traditional surgery?
Conventional thyroid surgery typically involves making an incision across the front of the neck to reach the thyroid gland.
Robotic thyroid surgery, however, allows surgeons to access the gland through small incisions in the underarm area, avoiding a visible scar on the neck.
The robotic system provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical area, enabling doctors to navigate around the delicate nerves and glands surrounding the thyroid with greater control.
The minimally invasive approach may also help reduce neck discomfort and swallowing difficulties following surgery.
Dr Salem Al Harthi, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Consultant Robotic and General Surgeon at SSMC, who performed the operation, emphasised that careful patient selection is essential.
“Thyroid surgery requires careful planning because of the delicate nerves and glands surrounding the thyroid,” he said.
Dr Al Harthi explained that robotic technology enhances surgical visibility and control, allowing doctors to tailor treatment decisions to a patient’s medical condition and individual preferences.
SSMC expands advanced robotic surgery services
Dr Abdulqader Al Messabi, Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, said the successful procedure represents another step towards expanding access to advanced surgical treatments in the UAE.
The introduction of robotic thyroid surgery provides eligible patients with an additional treatment option that combines precision technology with a minimally invasive approach.
SSMC, which operates under PureHealth, established its robotic surgery programme in 2020, as part of its efforts to introduce advanced surgical techniques and improve patient care.
Since launching its robotic surgery programme, SSMC has completed more than 1,380 robotic-assisted procedures across a range of medical specialities, strengthening its expertise in advanced surgical care.
The hospital said the latest milestone will further expand access to specialised surgical treatments in Abu Dhabi, allowing eligible patients to benefit from innovative procedures closer to home without having to seek treatment overseas.
