First in Kerala, Kochi hospital performs Robotic Thyroid Surgery

Kochi: A hospital in Kerala has successfully performed Transoral Robotic Thyroid Surgery (TORT), a modern surgical technique used to treat neck tumours via the mouth. A team led by Dr Shawn T Joseph, senior consultant of the Head & Neck Department at VPS Lakeshore, Kochi performed the highly complex surgery on a 52-year-old patient from abroad using the Da Vinci robot. The hospital said the surgery has been performed in the state for the first time. Transoral Robotic Thyroid Surgery, also known as Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy (TORT), represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgery, offering a gentler yet advanced option for treating thyroid gland cancers. This cutting-edge procedure utilises precise robotic technology to improve surgery outcomes, minimise visible scars, shorten recovery times, and enhance patient care, a statement from the hospital said.

“TORT is a modern surgical technique used to treat thyroid gland tumours, which is situated in the neck, via direct access through the mouth without external skin incisions. Because of this, no scar will be visible on the neck,” said Dr Shawn. His team comprised Dr Abhijith George, Dr Karunya R Gopal, Dr Sourabh Padmanabhan, Dr Sarah Mary Thampi, Dr Malli Abraham (Anaesthesiologist), and Sarin (OT Nurse). Dr Shawn said TORT is a relatively new approach to removing cancers from different areas in the head and neck that are difficult to access, including the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the neck. "Robot-assisted surgery to remove throat cancer or thyroid tumors can be a highly effective treatment choice when appropriate because of its lower side effects and excellent patient outcomes," he said.