[Surgical robot-assisted submandibular gland excision through retroauricular hairline approach: three case reports]

Conventional submandibular gland resection is typically performed via a lateral cervical open approach, which inevitably leaves a visible scar. As a leading advancement in minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgery shows significant potential for clinical application. To date, only a limited number of robot-assisted submandibular gland resections have been reported globally, and most were conducted using the Da Vinci Surgical System. No cases involving a domestically developed Chinese robotic system have been documented in either domestic or international lite-rature. Using nearly 100 cases of endoscopic submandibular gland resection through retroauricular hairline approach as basis, we successfully performed three cases of submandibular gland resection with the assistance of a domestically developed multi-arm universal surgical robot. All procedures were completed without intraoperative conversion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no complications including facial nerve palsy, tongue numbness, or impaired tongue mobility. The incisions were well concealed, achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing a Chinese-developed robotic system for submandibular gland resection.