Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
05:25
Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
Transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma
Steven M Olsen1, Eric J Moore, Cody A Koch
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|December 3, 2011
Summary
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) effectively treats supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma, preserving laryngeal function. This robotic approach demonstrated good disease control and functional outcomes in patients with this challenging cancer.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma presents a significant challenge in head and neck oncology.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly explored for improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.
- To assess disease control and laryngeal preservation rates following TORS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 9 patients undergoing TORS for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (2007-2009).
- Minimum 2-year follow-up assessing functional outcomes (dysphonia, tracheostomy, gastrostomy dependence).
- Kaplan-Meier method used for disease control and survival analysis.
Main Results:
- 78% of patients had advanced-stage disease.
- All patients achieved negative margins post-TORS with no perioperative complications.
- 78% of patients were decannulated and free from gastrostomy tube dependence at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Transoral robotic surgery is a promising option for resecting supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.
- TORS facilitates functional laryngeal preservation in the majority of patients without complications.
