Transoral robotic surgery

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a type of surgery that uses a specially designed robot to perform the procedure through the mouth. This approach allows for the removal of tumors from the throat and neck without the need for external incisions. TORS is a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce the recovery time and improve the quality of life for patients.

History[edit | edit source]

The first transoral robotic surgery was performed in 2005 by a team of surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, the procedure has been adopted by many hospitals around the world and has been used to treat thousands of patients.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During a TORS procedure, the surgeon uses a console to control the robot, which has three arms. One arm holds a camera, while the other two hold surgical instruments. The robot's arms are inserted into the patient's mouth and used to remove the tumor.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

There are several advantages to using TORS. Because the procedure is performed through the mouth, there are no visible scars. Patients also experience less pain and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. In addition, TORS allows for more precise removal of tumors, which can improve outcomes for patients.

Risks[edit | edit source]

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with TORS. These can include infection, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing. However, the risk of these complications is generally lower with TORS than with traditional surgery.

Future[edit | edit source]

The future of TORS is promising. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that the procedure will become even more precise and effective. In addition, as more surgeons become trained in TORS, the procedure will become more widely available to patients.

Transoral robotic surgery Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD