Robotic nasopharyngectomy via combined approach of nose and oral for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective:Surgery is one of the salvage treatments for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The safety and efficacy of Da Vinci's robotic surgery was preliminarily investigated to resect recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer after one-course radiotherapy.Method:Since Oct 2017, Da Vinci surgery system was used to complete the operation of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma including two approaches, such as trans oral with soft palate incision and trans oral and nose with soft palate suspended.Result:Ten patients underwent robotic nasopharyngectomy, The median operation time was 90 minutes, median follow-up time was 6 months, and all patients had clear resection margins. There was no residual, recurrent or cancer related death during short-term follow-up.Conclusion:Robotic nasopharyngectomy via combined approach of nose and mouth is safe, effective and has good local control.