Current Advances in Robotics for Head and Neck Surgery—A Systematic Review

Felix Boehm,Rene Graesslin,Marie-Nicole Theodoraki,Patrick J Schuler,Jens Greve,Thomas K Hoffmann,Leon Schild

doi:10.3390/cancers13061398

Abstract

Background. In the past few years, surgical robots have recently entered the medical field, particularly in urology, gynecology, and general surgery. However, the clinical effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in the field of head and neck surgery has not been clearly established. In this review, we evaluate to what extent RAS can potentially be applied in head and neck surgery, in which fields it is already daily routine and what advantages can be seen in comparison to conventional surgery. Data sources. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review of trials published between 2000 and 2021, as well as currently ongoing trials registered in clinicaltrials.gov. The results were structured according to anatomical regions, for the topics "Costs," "current clinical trials," and "robotic research" we added separate sections for the sake of clarity. Results. Our findings show a lack of large-scale systematic randomized trials on the use of robots in head and neck surgery. Most studies include small case series or lack a control arm which enables a comparison with established standard procedures. Conclusion. The question of financial reimbursement is still not answered and the systems on the market still require some specific improvements for the use in head and neck surgery.

Highlights

In a variety of surgical procedures, especially in the field of visceral surgery, gynecology, or urology, robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is seen as an undisputed standard
This review evaluates to what extent the abovementioned possible theoretical ods in surgical access morbidity, in the operation time, and patient benefits of RAS can bereduction applied advantageously in head and neck surgery for the patients outco well as thean surgeons
Various studies show a good quality of life for studies show a good quality of life for transoral robot-assisted surgery (TORS) patients [8,9]

Summary

Introduction

In a variety of surgical procedures, especially in the field of visceral surgery, gynecology, or urology, robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is seen as an undisputed standard. They further aim to enhance the precision of the surgeon, e through software-controlled reduction in natural tremor or through special surgical struments, Cancers. RAS systems are advanced, computerized operation theoretical benefitstechnical of RAS can be Still, applied in head and neck surgery tools aiming at an improvement of surgical access and visualization in anatomical regions the patients as wellthat as are thedifficult surgeons. We evaluate to what extent RAS can potentially be applied in head and neck surgery, in which fields it is already daily routine and what advantages can be seen in comparison to conventional surgery. The question of financial reimbursement is still not answered and the systems on the market still require some specific improvements for the use in head and neck surgery

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion