Thyroidectomy using Robot in India

The advancement in medical science and the development of newer surgical techniques have revolutionized the way cancer surgeries are performed nowadays. The advent of minimally invasive procedures has been a boon to cancer patients as they provide several benefits and are a safer and better alternative to conservative open surgery.

One such novel surgical procedure is Robotic-assisted breast-axillo insufflation thyroidectomy (RABIT). It is robotic surgery for removing the thyroid performed through minor incisions using robotic technology.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned surgical oncologist in India, invented RABIT, a highly-advanced technique, in 2018 to treat thyroid cancer. Robotic thyroidectomy has been used since 2007, but RABIT is a more refined and advanced procedure which is considered the best and most versatile technique.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is the founder of MACS Clinic, a technologically advanced centre for the best cancer treatment in Bangalore. Here, you are assured the highest standard of evidence-based cancer treatments using the most advanced surgical modalities like laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is a firm believer in minimal access cancer surgeries. He removes his valuable time to train other doctors so that the advanced surgical approach’s benefits reach more patients.

Till date, he has held training for doctors at 6 to 7 centres all over India, where he has performed this procedure live for them. As the technique is simpler than other techniques, many robotic surgeons have switched to the RABIT procedure in India.

RABIT Procedure in India

robotic surgeryPatients now have new hope thanks to RABIT, which enables a more cutting-edge, innovative, and superior method for those who want a thyroidectomy without scars.

RABIT uses the highly sophisticated Da Vinci robotic device to keep the wound smaller than usual. Dr. Sandeep Nayak and his team use a special single docking technique that enables them to approach the dissection of both lymph nodes and lobes as and when necessary.

In RABIT, the scar is only marginally noticeable or concealed in the axilla (armpit)as it is between 0.8 – 2 centimetres long.

As opposed to RABIT, the conventional open thyroidectomy procedure leaves behind an unsightly scar7-10 centimetre-long in the neck region, which usually affects the patient’s confidence and causes a lot of distress. RABIT procedure is more precise and has less complications than open surgery.

Most patients try to cover up the scar with their clothing or opt for costly laser procedures.

At MACS Clinic, a premier cancer clinic in Bangalore, we perform most cases using RABIT for benign or malignant thyroid nodules.

Apart from that, we also perform lymph-node surgeries using the RABIT technique, as it provides good utility and success.

What are the benefits of RABIT?

  • The RABIT method of thyroidectomy is safe and practical. It offers various benefits, including the ability to preserve specimen integrity, provide a similar symmetrical view to traditional open surgery, and allow for improved handling of the gland through the use of an assistance port.
  • Furthermore, because of the very tiny incisions made at the breast& armpit, the most extensive operating angles, this approach minimize collisions between the robotic arms compared to other robotic techniques and offer excellent cosmetic satisfaction.
  • The use of the RABIT procedure in India has made it possible to perform the most challenging and risky surgeries with the tiniest wounds possible, which were previously tough and demanding due to their sensitive nature.
  • With the help of 3D vision and magnification, surgeons can make precise incisions using the da Vinci robot system. This approach makes it simple to find even the most minor nodules, giving the surgeon improved visibility and increasing their overall comfort throughout the procedure.
  • Traditional thyroid surgeries or thyroidectomy procedures result in visible scars across the patient’s neck, which look unappealing.

In that aspect, RABIT has proven to be a blessing for patients who have long waited for a thyroidectomy without scars.
In addition to improving patients’ confidence and self-esteem, particularly in the younger population, this radical surgical technique contributes to outstanding medical and postoperative outcomes.

Benign and cancerous conditions treated with RABIT

The RABIT procedure is used to treat benign and malignant thyroid nodules and lymph-node surgeries by Dr Nayak, MACS Clinic, an exclusive cancer clinic in Bangalore.

Thyroid cancer

THYROID CANCERThyroid cancer starts in the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid, which is connected to the endocrine system, produces hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.
Thyroid cancer is highly treatable, and the treatment options include surgery, radioiodine therapy and rarely radiation.

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid, which is connected to the endocrine system, produces hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.
Thyroid cancer is highly treatable, and the treatment options include surgery, radioiodine therapy and rarely radiation.

Types of thyroid cancer treated with RABIT

  • Papillary thyroid carcinoma- The majority of thyroid malignancies, up to 80%, are papillary carcinoma. This form of cancer advances slowly. People between 25 to 50 years are mostly affected by it, but it can happen at any age.

Even though papillary thyroid carcinoma frequently spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck, the condition is highly treatable as it responds well to treatment cancer that usually affects adults over 50. The lymph nodes in the neck are not frequently invaded by follicular thyroid cancer cells. However, some severe and aggressive tumors might metastasize to different body regions, like lungs and bones. It might be more difficult to treat cancer that has spread.

  • Follicular neoplasm –Any abnormal lesion or growth, is referred to as neoplasm which actually means ‘new growth’. It can be either benign or cancerous. There is a 20% risk of follicular neoplasm being cancer. So, surgery is needed for follicular neoplasm.
  • Multi-nodular goitre (MNG) – An oversize thyroid gland is known as a goitre. A multi-nodular goitre has several nodules or bumps on it. It is linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Most goitres don’t need surgery.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer –Approximately 2% of thyroid tumors are medullary cancers. This disease can runs in families for one-fourth of those who develop it. One possible cause is a defective MTC gene. Medullary cancer needs aggressive surgery.
  • Anaplastic –This is a rare thyroid cancer, which is aggressive and most challenging to treat. It can develop quickly and spread into nearby tissue and other areas of your body.

Why MACS for RABIT?

  • MACS is known to provide one of the best cancer treatment in Bangalore. The centre has best of the consultants who are experts in cutting-edge surgical equipment and techniques.
  • Our cancer clinic in Bangalore has pioneers of the top-of-the-line da Vinci Surgical System that allows us to perform the most demanding and intricate surgical operations, like Robotic-assisted breast-axillo insufflation thyroidectomy (RABIT).
  • Furthermore, our team is led by Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the pioneer of the RABIT procedure.
  • The MACS Clinic is a comprehensive cancer prevention, diagnostic, and treatment centre that values scientific excellence. Our surgeons actively spread knowledge about healthy living and cancer prevention.