Current indications for neck remote approaches

Objective To summarize the most commonly used remote surgical accesses to the neck, current indications, and contraindications of the different surgical procedures. Findings The trans-oral vestibular approach has been used to perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The retro-auricular approach represents the known approach to perform a comprehensive or selective neck dissection, but it may also be used for thyroid surgery. The trans-axillary approach also may be used to perform both thyroid surgery and neck dissection. Conclusion Remote and minimally-invasive approaches to the neck facilitate various surgical procedures. In addition, surgeons' enhanced experience and the technological advancement of robotic and endoscopic equipment may encourage more centers to adopt these approaches in the future.