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Published on: April 19, 2024
A Comprehensive Analysis of Socio-economic and Clinical Factors in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Robotic
Darby L Keirns1, Beau Hsia2, Paula Valeria Guerra-Navarro3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Objectives:
To investigate socio-economic and clinical disparities in the utilisation of robotic surgery for head and neck cancer.
Methods:
Using the National Cancer Database (2010-2020), 212 449 surgically treated patients were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of robotic versus non-robotic surgery (p < 0.05).
Results:
Robotic surgery utilisation increased over time during the study period. The following characteristics positively correlated with the use of robotic surgery: male, aged 41-80 years, White race, insured (with private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare) and treatment at an Academic/Research centre. Metropolitan residency, higher income/education levels, lower comorbidity (Charlson-Deyo score of 0) and Stage I disease were also associated with increased robotic surgery utilisation.
Conclusion:
Significant socio-economic disparities exist in robotic surgery access, potentially exacerbating outcome inequities. Targeted interventions are needed to improve equity in treatment access and standardise care protocols. Further research should validate trends and address systemic barriers.
