Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 29, 2025
Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
Transoral robotic salvage oropharyngectomy with submental artery island flap reconstruction
Andrew J Holcomb1, Jeremy D Richmon1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an effective approach for select salvage oropharyngeal resections. Reconstruction in these scenarios is often necessary for vascular coverage and optimal functional outcomes but can be challenging. The submental artery island flap (SAIF) is well-suited to this reconstruction.
Design/Method:
Two patients presented with recurrent oropharyngeal tumors after chemoradiation. Each tumor was resected using TORS, and the SAIF was utilized for reconstruction. Flap inset was completed using TORS in one case.
Results:
Both patients experienced uneventful recovery free from bleeding events or fistula formation and experienced no partial flap loss or donor site complications.
Conclusions:
The SAIF is a simple reconstructive option for TORS defects that may be inset using robotic assistance and avoids the need for free tissue transfer.
