Transoral robotic surgery

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Transoral Robotic Surgery[edit | edit source]

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses robotic technology to remove tumors and other abnormalities from the mouth and throat. This technique is primarily used to treat head and neck cancer, particularly cancers of the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

History[edit | edit source]

The development of TORS began in the early 2000s, with the first successful procedures being performed in 2005. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of robotic systems for transoral surgeries in 2009. Since then, TORS has become an important tool in the treatment of head and neck cancers, offering patients a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During a TORS procedure, the surgeon uses a console to control robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The robotic arms are inserted through the patient's mouth, allowing the surgeon to access and remove tumors with precision. This approach minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and reduces recovery time.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

TORS offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods, including:

Limitations[edit | edit source]

Despite its benefits, TORS has limitations, including:

  • High cost of robotic systems
  • Limited access to certain areas of the head and neck
  • Requirement for specialized training and expertise

Applications[edit | edit source]

TORS is primarily used for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer, but it can also be applied to other conditions, such as:

Images[edit | edit source]

Sequential diagram of lingual tonsillectomy
Sequential diagram of surgical resection of back of middle of tongue

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD