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Robot-assisted level II-IV neck dissection through a modified facelift incision: initial North American experience
W Greer Albergotti1, J Kenneth Byrd, John R De Almeida
1Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Robot-assisted neck dissection is a feasible surgical option for otolaryngology patients prioritizing cosmesis. While operative times are longer, this robot-assisted approach shows comparable outcomes to conventional methods, avoiding cervical incisions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Growing importance of cosmetic outcomes in otolaryngology patient care.
- This study presents the initial clinical outcomes of robot-assisted neck dissection from North American centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of robot-assisted selective neck dissection.
- To compare robot-assisted neck dissection with conventional methods regarding surgical parameters and complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study design.
- Comparison of three patients undergoing robot-assisted neck dissection (levels II-IV) with six patients undergoing conventional neck dissection.
- Analysis included operative time, blood loss, lymph node yield, drainage, hospital stay, and complications.
Main Results:
- Robot-assisted neck dissection had longer operative times (mean 234 min) compared to conventional dissection (mean 110 min).
- No significant differences were observed between the groups in other evaluated outcomes, including lymph node retrieval and complications.
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted selective neck dissection of levels II-IV is achievable using a modified facelift incision.
- The procedure is deemed surgically sound based on initial data.
- Recommended for experienced surgeons seeking to avoid visible cervical scars.
