The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC Completes Anhui's First Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Extended Resection of Thyroid Isthmus Cancer with Bilateral Central Lymph Node Dissection

Background

Thyroid cancer is commonly detected through routine physical examinations, with papillary thyroid carcinoma being a frequent diagnosis. Tumors located in the thyroid isthmus, the central connecting portion between the left and right lobes, pose particular surgical considerations. The isthmus has a rich blood supply and lies adjacent to the trachea, making capsule invasion and metastasis to central compartment lymph nodes more likely. These nodes are situated bilaterally beside the trachea and in the prelaryngeal area.

What was achieved

On July 25, 2026, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC announced that its thyroid surgery team had completed Anhui Province's first robot-assisted laparoscopic extended resection of thyroid isthmus cancer with bilateral central lymph node dissection. The procedure was performed by a team led by Deputy Chief Physician Gao Jian from the Thyroid Surgery First Ward in the hospital's South District.

The surgery successfully resected the isthmus tumor and cleared the bilateral central lymph nodes. It preserved the patient's bilateral thyroid lobes entirely, along with the recurrent laryngeal nerves and the blood supply to the parathyroid glands. The chest-breast approach resulted in no visible neck scar. The patient recovered smoothly, was able to get out of bed the day after surgery without voice abnormalities, limb numbness or choking on water, and was discharged following recovery. The hospital stated that this fills a provincial technical gap and indicates its thyroid cancer precise minimally invasive and function-preserving techniques have reached a domestic advanced level.

How it works

In this case, a small nodule was identified in the thyroid isthmus during a physical exam. Pathology confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma limited to the isthmus with no involvement of the bilateral lobes. Traditional open surgery for thyroid cancer typically involves an incision in the neck, which can leave a visible scar. For this procedure, the surgical team employed a robot-assisted approach using small operation ports established through hidden areas in the patient's chest and breast region, known as the trans-chest-breast or thoraco-mammary approach.

The robotic surgical system provides 10 to 15 times three-dimensional high-definition stereo visualization. This magnified view enables the surgical team to clearly identify fine neck structures, including the recurrent laryngeal nerves responsible for voice function and the parathyroid glands that help regulate calcium levels through their blood supply. The system's mechanical arms offer 360-degree flexible rotation and precision beyond manual capability in the confined neck space. This allowed exact definition of resection margins for the isthmus tumor, complete bilateral central lymph node dissection to reduce recurrence risk, and preservation of both main thyroid lobes and critical nerves and vessels. The technique balances oncologic resection with functional preservation and avoids visible neck scarring.

What it means for international patients

The hospital established its International Medical Department in September 2017, the first such service among Anhui's tertiary public hospitals. It provides dedicated services to international patients as well as high-level domestic talent, featuring appointment-based outpatient care, multidisciplinary team consultations, optimized processes and premium ward support. The department draws on the hospital's broader expertise in minimally invasive and robotic procedures.

International patients considering advanced thyroid cancer care with emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, nerve and gland preservation, and cosmetic outcomes may find options at facilities like this one in China. However, availability, eligibility and suitability for specific procedures such as robot-assisted isthmus cancer resection must be confirmed directly with the hospital. Patients should contact the International Medical Department for current details on services, assessment processes and any requirements.

About the hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, also known as Anhui Provincial Hospital, is a large tertiary Grade A comprehensive hospital located in Hefei, Anhui Province. It became a directly affiliated hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China in 2017. The hospital integrates clinical care, education and research and operates multiple campuses.

It is recognized for its general surgery department, which includes thyroid surgery and has been designated a National Key Clinical Specialty. The thyroid team performs a high volume of endoscopic and robot-assisted procedures, including various remote-access approaches, and has developed specialized instruments. The hospital maintains an International Medical Department and reports national rankings including 20th in the 2023 National Health Commission performance evaluation and placement among China's Top 100 Hospitals per Fudan University rankings.