The Flex Robotic System in Head and Neck Surgery: A Review

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an evolving field for head and neck procedures.
• The Flex Robotic System provides enhanced visualization and access for minimally invasive head and neck operations.
• Robot-assisted surgery aims to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity compared to traditional open approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current knowledge on the Flex Robotic System's application in head and neck TORS.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and complication profile of the Flex Robotic System in TORS procedures.
• To assess the system's performance across various head and neck cancer sites.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using "Flex Robot" in major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus).
• Studies included patients treated for both benign and malignant head and neck diseases.
• Data on surgical sites, complications, visualization, and success rates were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The oropharynx was the most common site, followed by the larynx and hypopharynx.
• High rates of lesion visualization (95-100%) and surgical success (91-100%) were reported.
• Low incidence of major intra- or post-operative complications, with bleeding rates between 1.4-15.7%.

Conclusions:

• The Flex Robotic System is a safe and effective tool for resecting lesions in the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.
• It offers reduced morbidity compared to traditional open surgical methods.
• Robot-assisted TORS with the Flex Robotic System represents a viable option for head and neck cancer treatment.