Robotic Surgical Assist Arm for Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Robotics
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity presents complex reconstructive challenges.
• Head and neck reconstructive surgery often requires prolonged procedures with demanding ergonomics.
• Minimally invasive techniques and advanced technologies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of the Zimmer Biomet WalterLorenz robotic assist arm in head and neck reconstructive surgery.
• To highlight how robotic assistance can enhance surgical precision and efficiency.
• To illustrate the benefits of robotic arms in managing complex free flap reconstructions.

Main Methods:

• A case demonstration of a scapular tip/latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction for oral cavity cancer.
• Intraoperative use of the Zimmer Biomet WalterLorenz robotic arm for stable retraction and optimal visualization.
• Focus on the setup, positioning, and application of the robotic arm during delicate surgical maneuvers.

Main Results:

• The robotic arm provided stable retraction, reducing the need for additional surgical assistants.
• Enhanced visualization and instrument stability facilitated complex dissections and osteotomies.
• The technology helped minimize surgeon fatigue during the prolonged reconstructive procedure.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgical assist arms, such as the Zimmer Biomet WalterLorenz, can significantly improve ergonomics and efficiency in head and neck reconstruction.
• Integration of robotic technology allows surgical teams to focus more effectively on intricate surgical tasks.
• This approach holds potential for improving surgical outcomes in complex head and neck cancer cases.