Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has evolved from ablative to reconstructive procedures for oropharyngeal cancers (OPC).
• Traditional open surgeries for OPC reconstruction present significant morbidity.
• Evaluating TORS for OPC reconstruction is crucial for advancing treatment paradigms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes and challenges of TORS in OPC reconstruction.
• To compare TORS reconstruction with traditional surgical methods.
• To present a case study of TORS with free flap reconstruction for recurrent OPC.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive PubMed literature review was conducted on TORS-based reconstruction in OPC.
• Surgical techniques, outcomes, and innovations were assessed.
• A case of recurrent OPC treated with TORS resection and lateral arm free flap was detailed.

Main Results:

• TORS reconstruction demonstrated reduced patient morbidity and shorter hospital stays.
• Positive functional outcomes, including speech and swallowing, were observed in various patient cohorts.
• The presented case achieved successful oncologic control and functional preservation.

Conclusions:

• TORS-based reconstruction is a significant advancement in minimally invasive head and neck cancer surgery.
• It offers oncologic outcomes comparable to open surgery with a lower complication rate.
• Further research is needed to optimize TORS techniques and standardize protocols for complex reconstructions.