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Trans-hairline robotic neck dissection and robotic microvascular free flap reconstruction in oral cavity cancer
Velda Ling-Yu Chow1, Valerie Wai-Yee Ho1, Arthur Shing-Ho Lo1
1Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Background:
A report on the feasibility of sequential robotic-assisted neck dissection and robotic micro-surgical free flap reconstruction via a trans-hairline approach in oral cavity cancer patients.
Material And Methods:
A patient with cT2N0 right tongue squamous cell carcinoma is used for illustration.
Results:
A trans-hairline incision is used. Subplatysmal flaps are raised and levels I-III cervical lymph nodes are exposed. Da Vinci Xi robotic system is then docked via trans-hairline incision for neck dissection followed by trans-oral hemi-glossectomy. Skin island of free anterolateral thigh flap is used to reconstruct intra-oral mucosal defect. Flap pedicle is passed to the neck medial to mandible for microvascular anastomosis using the Symani micro-robotic surgical system via trans-hairline incision.
Conclusion:
Trans-hairline robotic-assisted neck dissection and robotic microvascular free flap surgery is feasible and safe with good cosmetic and functional outcomes in oral cavity cancer patients.
