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Transoral robotic surgery in Ireland: the beginning
Emma Keane1,2, Isobel O'Riordan3, Thomas Crotty3
1St Vincent's University Hospital, Merrion Road, Dublin, Ireland. emmakeane@rcsi.ie.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|February 9, 2021
Summary
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is effective for head and neck cancers, successfully identifying primary tumors in 80% of unknown origin cases. This minimally invasive approach shows a low complication rate and short hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) shows promise for head and neck conditions.
- Currently, TORS is primarily utilized for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report initial cases of TORS, focusing on its utility in identifying unknown primary tumors.
- To address criticisms regarding TORS setup times and costs through literature review and early experience.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from patients undergoing TORS.
- Inclusion of demographics, indications, histology results for unknown primaries, and complication data.
Main Results:
- 36 TORS procedures were performed, with complexity ranging from intermediate to major.
- Low complication rates, improving over time, with hemorrhage at 5.6% and average stay of 1 day.
- Successful identification of primary tumors in 80% of cancer of unknown origin cases.
Conclusions:
- TORS demonstrates efficacy in diagnosing head and neck pathologies, including unknown primaries.
- Anticipated integration of TORS into routine ENT practice pending further clinical validation.
