Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of lingual tonsillitis. When conventional therapies fail.

Abstract

Lingual tonsillitis is an underestimated but serious health problem. This paper describes the feasibility and efficacy of the trans-oral robotic surgical approach in cases of lingual tonsillitis. From February 2012 to April 2014, 10 patients affected by lingual tonsillitis resistant to medical treatments underwent transoral robotic lingual tonsillectomy at the authors' Institution. The surgical robotic procedure was completed in all cases and there was no need to change the operative approach once started. The mean set-up time was 13.2 ± 5.2 min, while mean operating time was 28 ± 12 min. The mean amount of tissue removed was 16.5 ± 13 cm3 . No major intra-operative and post-operative complications were registered. After 15.2 ± 12 months of follow-up, no relapses were reported and patients did not complain of any further symptoms. Lingual tonsillitis seems to be safely and effectively managed by trans-oral robotic surgery. The data are encouraging and worthy of further evaluation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.