Comparative Study of Robotic and Endoscopic Submandibular Gland Resection

Abstract

Objective: Compare the short-term clinicopathologic results of robot-assisted submandibular gland (SMG) resection and endoscopic SMG resection via the retroauricular approach. Study Design: Prospective review of submandibular gland tumor or chronic dialadenitis conducted for 1 year in a tertiary hospital. Subjects Studied: Patients who underwent robotic or endoscopic submandibular gland resection via retroauricular approach. Clinical factors were compared using Mann-Whitney test. Results: The operation was successful in all patients of 2 groups without any significant intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. The operating time in the endo group was longer than the robot group ( P = .034). Total amount ( P = 1.000) and duration ( P = .801) of drain between the 2 groups showed no significant difference. The mean duration of hospital stay was also comparable between the groups ( P = 1.000). No significant difference was observed in the overall perioperative complications between the 2 groups. Patients of both groups showed excellent cosmetic satisfaction and showed no significant difference ( P = .891). Conclusion: Robotic and endoscopic SMG resection were both feasible with acceptable perioperative outcomes and excellent cosmetic results. Robot assisted resection showed benefit in shorter operating time.