Transoral robotic surgery using the Medrobotic Flex^® system: the Adelaide experience

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Robotic Surgery
• Head and Neck Oncology

Background:

• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is established for head and neck pathologies.
• Multiport robotic systems are currently standard.
• The Medrobotics Flex® system is a novel single-port alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial clinical experience with the Medrobotics Flex® system in Adelaide.
• To assess the safety, reliability, and efficacy of this single-port robotic platform.
• To analyze outcomes for various benign and malignant head and neck conditions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection on patient demographics, pathology, and surgical indications.
• Presentation of the first 20 cases using the Medrobotics Flex® system.
• Documentation of intraoperative and secondary complications.

Main Results:

• 11 of 20 patients had surgery for malignant disease, including 9 with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
• 8 of 9 OPSCC patients achieved clear primary tumor excision margins.
• No intraoperative complications occurred; two minor secondary complications were managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

• The Medrobotics Flex® system is a safe and reliable tool for transoral surgery.
• The system demonstrates efficacy in managing a range of pathologies in the oropharynx and posterior oral cavity.
• Histologic outcomes support the use of this platform for both benign and malignant diseases.