Thyroid cancer surgery: past, present, and future BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW.

Abstract

Surgery is the primary treatment for most cases of thyroid cancer, but treatment has evolved significantly over time. In the early days of thyroid surgery, anatomical understanding was inadequate, anesthesia was undeveloped, and there were no accepted procedures to reduce the transmission of infection. The mortality and morbidity rates associated with this procedure were very high.

Nowadays, with the development of medicine in the 20th century, surgical techniques have advanced toward minimally invasive procedures, resulting in shorter recovery times and better aesthetic and functional outcomes. Among these techniques, endoscopic surgery and robotic assistance stand out, as they offer superior precision while preserving delicate structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. However, access to these technologies is still limited in many healthcare facilities, primarily due to their high cost and the steep learning curve that surgeons must navigate. Looking to the future, transoral robotic surgery appears to be a game-changer in thyroid cancer treatment. This method improves postoperative recovery by minimizing the external scarring of traditional surgical incisions. Robotic assistance provides greater precision in moving surrounding tissues and offers an enlarged three-dimensional view of the surgical field, which can lead to improved oncological and functional outcomes. However, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of these technologies regarding infrastructure, specialized training, and assessment of long-term clinical benefit.