Robotic thyroidectomy is done using the da Vinci-S Surgical System, a system that’s been widely adapted for use in prostate surgery, hysterectomy and other surgical procedures with much success. The da Vinci system has:

• Four robotic hands: These are called EndoWrist instruments, and they work just like hands. They can grasp things, twist and turn – and they’re incredibly small. The robotic hands rotate a full 360 degrees (double that of human hands), which allow the surgeon to make very precise movements.
• 3D camera: This is a high-definition camera that gives the surgeon a 3D image of the thyroid. It can even  zoom to a greater magnification of 10x if a more detailed look is needed. 
• Console: The surgeon sits at the console, controls the four robotic hands and views images of the surgical site from the 3D camera.

The da Vinci system offers superior visualization and instrumentation, and enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through remote incisions with unmatched precision. The four robotic hands and the 3D camera are inserted through small incisions while the surgeon works from the console to accurately remove part or all of the thyroid.

As a reassurance, the da Vinci robot is completely under the control of the surgeon. The robotic hands cannot move on their own; they must be told what to do by the surgeon. The da Vinci system also cannot be programmed; the surgeon must be there giving input and making decisions during the surgery.

How does robotic surgery compare to laparoscopic surgery?
Robotic surgery provides surgeons with a true 3-dimensional color picture (which is much more accurate and true-to-life), while the 2D camera utilized in laparoscopic surgery shows only flat images, similar to watching your television. In addition, regular laparoscopic instruments are straight and do not give the range of motion achieved with robotic (and open) surgery. Surgeons also have the state-of-the-art robotic and computer technologies to scale, filter and seamlessly translate their hand movements into precise micro-movements of the da Vinci instruments.