[Transoral robotic surgery for head and neck tumors: a series of 17 patients]

Within the last years transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has gained importance in the resection of head and neck tumors, especially in North America. In contrast only few groups in Germany have studied this system so far. In respect to potential future developments in surgical robotic systems it seems reasonable to deal with this system.

17 patients with tumors of the oropharynx, the base of tongue or the supraglottic area were treated with TORS in our clinic, between May 2011 and June 2012. In a prospective study we analyzed the exposure, visualization and resectability of these tumors using the da Vinci-system. In addition, set up and operation time, as well as costs were evaluated.

All neoplasms of the oropharynx (n=9) and the tongue base (n=5) could be well exposed, visualized and resected. In the supraglottic area (n=3) 2 tumors could not be properly exposed and therefore resection was converted to a transoral microscopic laser approach. Resection with the cautery spatula tip or the Tm:YAG-laser fibre caused wide coagulation zones, but resulted in good hemostasis. The costs for the medical equipment and the leasing rate were 6280 € per case at our institution.

Tumors of the tongue base and oropharynx could be easily visualized with help of the da Vinci-system. The resection of supraglottic tumors can be challenging, due to the arrangement of the robotic-arms and the narrow anatomic conditions. Despite its high costs, the da Vinci-system is a potentially interesting supplementation to existing surgical techniques.