Robotic surgery for head and neck cancer

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Head and Neck Oncology

Background:

• Robotic surgery has transitioned from a novel approach to a preferred method in various surgical specialties over the past decade.
• The adoption of robotics in head and neck surgery is influenced by the success of existing transoral surgical techniques for tumor removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of head and neck surgery.
• To outline the present capabilities of surgical robotic systems.
• To explore prospective applications of robotic technology in head and neck procedures.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of robotic surgery evolution.
• Analysis of current robotic surgical system functionalities.
• Exploration of future trends and potential in head and neck robotic surgery.

Main Results:

• Robotic surgery is established in urologic, gynecologic, thoracic, cardiothoracic, and gastrointestinal procedures.
• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a key modality for head and neck tumor resection.
• Current systems offer enhanced precision and visualization for complex head and neck operations.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgery has significantly advanced head and neck cancer treatment.
• The capabilities of surgical robots continue to expand, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
• Future applications are expected to further refine minimally invasive approaches in head and neck surgery.