Advanced Robotic Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflate Thyroidectomy at Fortis Hospital Bangalore

In the past few decades, several novel less invasive techniques have been developed in the medical arena which has offered several benefits as compared to traditional open surgery techniques. Conceptualized by Dr. Sandeep Nayak – widely regarded as one of the best surgical oncologists in India – RABIT or Robotic Assisted Breast Axillo Insufflate Thyroidectomy is one such medical marvel which has proven to be a safe and effective alternative for patients suffering from thyroid cancers.

Who are at risk of thyroid cancer?

With the aid of ultrasounds around the neck region, the presence of thyroid nodules has been observed in nearly 20 percent of adult men and 30 percent of adult women. Usually more common in women as compared to males, not all of the thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. That said, any large swelling in the thyroid region should be a cause for concern and checked out immediately. It’s best to exercise precaution and these nodules should be removed as early as possible before it stirs up any trouble in the region. 

Here are some of the late signs and symptoms associated with thyroid cancer which one should look out for:

• Difficulties in breathing and swallowing

• Changes in the voice

• Presence of swelling in the neck region

• Presence of lymph nodes in the neck

• Hoarse cough that refuses to go away

The best time to intervene is before these symptoms start. Consult when you see a painless nodule in front of the neck.

About the Treatment

Traditional surgery for thyroidectomy often proved to be disfiguring as it used to leave a nasty scar on the neck region. These life-long scars which were 7-8 centimeters in length often proved to be a source of great embarrassment while also affecting the confidence of patients. Because of the psychological effects on their well-being, many patients had to resort to expensive laser treatments to get rid of the scar or worse, hide it with their hair, dupattas, or high-neck/turtle shirts. 

The advent RABIT has given patients a new lease of life as it facilitates a newer, modern and frankly better approach for patients seeking a scar-free thyroidectomy. RABIT involves the use of a highly advanced Da Vinci robotic machine which helps in keeping the wound smaller than usual. Dr. Nayak and his team adopt a unique single docking which allows them to approach both the lobes as well as lymph nodes dissection as and when required. With RABIT, the scar ranges between 0.8 to two centimeters thus being minimally visible or tucked away as a hidden scar in the axilla/armpit.

Benefits of RABIT

• Conventional thyroid surgeries or operations for thyroidectomy tend to leave prominent scars across the patient’s neck which are not only uncomfortable but also cosmetically unacceptable. In that regard, RABIT has proven itself to be a boon for patients who have been long waiting for a scar-free thyroidectomy. This radical surgical procedure not only helps in boosting their confidence while raising their self-esteem – especially in the young demographic – while also helping achieve excellent medical outcomes and great post-operative results.

• Thanks to the use of the da Vinci robotic machine, surgeons are able to be precise incisions with the aid of 3D vision and magnification. As a matter of fact, even the smallest of nodules can easily be detected with the help of this technique thus providing the surgeon better vision quality while also enhancing overall surgeon comfort during the surgery.

• RABIT has allowed for the most complicated and difficult cancer surgeries to be performed with smallest wounds which have previously proven to be demanding and risky because of its delicate nature with the least amount of risk

Why Fortis for RABIT?

At Fortis, we are known to offer the very latest in surgical techniques along with the most modern equipment for exceptional treatment and care for you and your entire family. Our hospitals are equipped with the very latest, da Vinci Surgical System thus allowing us to perform minimally invasive incisions for the most complex surgical procedures. Thanks to RABIT, we have been able to boost the appearance, as well as self-confidence of our patients thus helping transform the lives of countless individuals across the country. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.