For the first time in Spain, specialists at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra have carried out thyroid surgery via the axilla, using endoscopic techniques. Previously, the same medical team had done the operation by means of a robotic procedure using the Da Vinci surgical system.

Access through the axilla prevents scarring on the neck, consequence normal outcome of conventional open surgery. To date, the medical team in the area of thyroid pathology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra have already carried out several operations of this type with satisfactory results. The surgical team in this area comprises Dr Juan Alcalde and Dr Peter Baptista.

The procedure is especially advantageous in patients of slight build who present nodular thyroid pathology.

The endoscopic and robotic techniques replace a cervical incision for a transaxillary  approach  by means of an incision, about 6 cm long, which is hidden in the folds of the armpit. In order to perform this procedure, it is necessary for the team of surgeons to have broad experience in thyroid gland surgery. In this regard, the specialists in the area of thyroid pathology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra have completed over 2,000 surgery cases to date. In addition, they have specific training in robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system, which is complemented, in the cases of Dr Alcalde and Dr Baptista, by experience in endoscopic thyroid surgery and transoral robotic surgery.