Question

Transoral robotic surgery.

Hint:

Transoral robotic surgery is a revolutionary technique for treating head and neck cancers, offering minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and improved precision.

Answer 1

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that utilizes robotic systems, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, to perform surgeries through the mouth. This approach is primarily used for the treatment of head and neck cancers, especially for tumors of the oropharynx, tongue base, and larynx.
Step 1: Technique:
In TORS, the surgeon uses robotic instruments inserted through the mouth to perform the surgery, eliminating the need for external incisions. The robotic system provides enhanced visualization through a high-definition 3D camera and offers increased precision and dexterity compared to traditional surgery. The system's flexible instruments can navigate through small and intricate spaces in the throat, allowing for precise tumor excision.
Step 2: Indications for TORS:
TORS is commonly used in the following situations:
- Oropharyngeal Cancer: TORS is often used for treating cancers of the tongue base, tonsils, and soft palate.
- Laryngeal Cancer: For early-stage laryngeal cancers, TORS can be used as a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.
- Benign Tumors: It is also effective for the removal of benign tumors, such as papillomas, cysts, or fibromas, in the head and neck region.
- Recurrent Cancer: TORS can be used in patients with recurrent cancer following prior radiation therapy or other treatments, as it minimizes the need for external incisions and scar tissue formation.
Step 3: Advantages of TORS:
- Minimally Invasive: No external incisions are made, leading to less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.
- Improved Visualization: The robotic system provides high-definition, magnified 3D views of the surgical area, improving accuracy and reducing complications.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients undergoing TORS typically have a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery, allowing for faster return to normal activities.
- Preservation of Function: The technique allows for precise resection of tumors while preserving surrounding critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of functional impairment.