Combined robotic transorbital and transnasal approach to the nasopharynx and anterior skull base: Feasibility study

Abstract

The skull base and nasopharynx are distinct anatomical sites that may benefit from robotic surgical techniques. Limited access and instrument clashes have limited robotic surgery within these anatomical sites. This study intends to assess a combined transorbital and transnasal approach to anterior skull base and nasopharynx for robotic surgery utilising a novel robotic platform. A cadaver study was performed using the Versius robotic system (CMR Surgical, Cambridge UK) to assess the feasibility of transorbital and transnasal approaches to the nasopharynx and anterior skull base. This study shows that a combined robotic approach to skull base and nasopharynx is feasible. Combined transnasal and transorbital ports overcomes the funnel effect, allowing current robotic instruments to operate within this space and limit the risk of collisions.