Robotics in laryngeal surgery

Abstract

While transoral laser microsurgery has been the gold standard for laryngeal surgery for many years, recently transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a new treatment option not being restricted to a straight line of view which can be an obstacle during resection. In combination with specifically designed retractors TORS can provide a superior visualization and allows tissue manipulation especially in the narrow working space of the larynx. The present article describes the commercially available robotic systems suitable for transoral surgery in adult benign laryngeal masses and highlights on the use of TORS retractors. Additionally, the most relevant benign laryngeal masses in adults will be addressed with special emphasis on transoral robotic accessibility, visualization, and surgical resection techniques. Additionally, using the Medrobotics system TORS was evaluated for surgery of benign laryngeal masses in 37 adults suffering from cysts, polpys, papillomas, dysplasias, and leukoplakias: Excellent visualization, surgical access to all lesions and complete resection without any severe side effects could be achieved. In conclusion, TORS can be a valuable tool in surgery for adult benign laryngeal masses. While transoral laser microsurgery has been the gold standard for laryngeal surgery for many years, recently transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a new treatment option not being restricted to a straight line of view which can be an obstacle during resection. In combination with specifically designed retractors TORS can provide a superior visualization and allows tissue manipulation especially in the narrow working space of the larynx. The present article describes the commercially available robotic systems suitable for transoral surgery in adult benign laryngeal masses and highlights on the use of TORS retractors. Additionally, the most relevant benign laryngeal masses in adults will be addressed with special emphasis on transoral robotic accessibility, visualization, and surgical resection techniques. Additionally, using the Medrobotics system TORS was evaluated for surgery of benign laryngeal masses in 37 adults suffering from cysts, polpys, papillomas, dysplasias, and leukoplakias: Excellent visualization, surgical access to all lesions and complete resection without any severe side effects could be achieved. In conclusion, TORS can be a valuable tool in surgery for adult benign laryngeal masses.