REVO

meerecompany has announced that the Korea Cancer Center Hospital recently achieved the first successful robotic parathyroidectomy using the Revo-i with the Unilateral Axillo-Breast approach with Gas Insufflation (UABA).

Dr. Myung-Chul Lee, of the Otolaryngology Department at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital, performed robotic parathyroidectomy using Revo-i on a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a functional adenoma of the parathyroid gland last July. After the surgery, the patient experienced minimal pain and a quick recovery without any significant side effects, and is currently in a state of complete recovery.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause various symptoms and complications. It is classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism based on the underlying cause. The patient who underwent surgery this time had primary hyperparathyroidism, and 85% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases are caused by a solitary parathyroid adenoma. In rare cases, parathyroid hyperplasia, multiple parathyroid adenomas, and parathyroid carcinoma can also be causes [i]. Recently, advancements in imaging technology have led to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed, as well as a rise in the number of minimally invasive surgeries, such as robotic surgery.

The gas-insufflated Unilateral Axillo-Breast approach (UABA) robotic surgery performed this time was developed by Dr. Myung-Chul Lee at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital. It is characterized by overcoming the disadvantages of existing approaches used in thyroid or parathyroid surgeries, such as the traditional axillary approach and bilateral axillo-breast approach, while preserving their advantages. The absence of a vertical axillary incision enhances cosmetic outcomes, and negating the need to lift the flap to the thyroid minimizes complications such as chest pain and contracture. In addition, similar to the conventional axillary approach, it is easy to operate with good surgical vision and smooth instrument manipulation, making the surgery easier and shorter in duration.

Dr. Myung-Chul Lee of the Otolaryngology Department at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital stated, “Recently, parathyroidectomy is performed as minimally invasive surgery, and our hospital is providing cutting-edge treatment through Revo-i robotic surgery.” He added, “I am pleased that the patient was well treated through this surgery.”

Executive Vice President Ho Kun Lee of meerecompany’s Surgical Robot Division expressed gratitude to all medical staff for successfully performing the surgery using Revo-i, stating, “We will continue to provide the best medical solutions through innovative technologies and services.”

Revo-i is the first surgical robot developed and commercialized by meerecompany domestically. meerecompany signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Atomic Energy Medical Institute for joint research focused on technical consultation and clinical validation support for domestic surgical robot technology, designating the Korea Cancer Center Hospital as a Revo-i Reference Center.

[i] Gluckman JL. Renewal of certification study group in otolaryngology head and neck surgery. Kendall/Hunt publishing company 1998;515-28

Korean article: https://www.whosaeng.com/155138