VPS Lakeshore Hospital performs first Transoral Robotic thyroid surgery in Kerala

Kochi: VPS Lakeshore Hospital has made history by becoming the first hospital in the state to successfully perform Transoral Robotic Thyroid Surgery (TORT), a modern surgical technique used to treat tumors of the neck via the mouth.

A team led by Dr. Shawn T. Joseph, Senior Consultant of the Head & Neck department at VPS Lakeshore, performed the highly complex surgery on a 52-year-old international patient using the Da Vinci robot.

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.

Speaking on the successful completion of TORT, Dr. Shawn T. Joseph said that this technology allows for complex surgeries with enhanced precision and control. “TORT is a modern surgical technique used to treat tumors of the thyroid gland, 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 who performed the surgery with his team, including Dr. Abhijith George, Dr. Karunya R. Gopal, Dr. Sourabh Padmanabhan, Dr. Sarah Mary Thampi, Dr. Malli Abraham (Anaesthesiologist), and Sarin (OT Nurse).

He said Transoral Robotic Surgery 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," Dr. Shawn said.