FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --- JUNE 10, 2009

On June 9, 2009, Ronald B. Kuppersmith, MD, FACS, of Texas ENT and Allergy, successfully performed a Robot-assisted
endoscopic thyroid lobectomy at the College Station Medical Center in College Station, Texas.  Dr. Kuppersmith and Dr. Andrew
deJong are among a handful of physicians in the United States currently trained to perform this procedure using daVinci Surgical
System. It is believed that fewer than 10 other cases have been performed in the United States.

By approaching the thyroid through an incision in the axillary fold (under the arm), the neck incision typically used for thyroid
surgery is eliminated offering a much more cosmetically appealing procedure to patients. Additionally, the daVinci Surgical Robot
offers superior visualization and instrumentation compared to traditional surgery, allowing a complete and safe dissection to be
performed. Currently, patients with thyroid nodules less than 4 cm in diameter and small papillary thyroid carcinomas may be
candidates for this procedure.

“The ability to use the daVinci robot for thyroid surgery potentially represents a great step forward in patient care, provides new
options for patients, and will allow for the procedure to be conducted without leaving unattractive scarring on the neck,” says Dr.
Kuppersmith.

For more information, call 979-693-6000 or visit us on Twitter (@RobotoicThyroid ) or see our Robotic Thyroid Surgery page.

Article in the Bryan-College Station Eagle.
Video on YouTube