“Surgical approach to head and neck cancer.”
Baglam, T. and E. Ozer (2009).
Otorinolaringologia 59(3): 171-180.
Head and neck carcinoma represents 6% of all the malignancies. Head and neck cancer itself or the treatment modalities used to treat it, can significantly alter the quality of life of the patient by negativity affecting the speech, swallowing, and breathing functions together with the disfigurement of the face and neck. Surgery and radiation therapy alone or in combination are the standard treatments for head and neck cancer. Although the term “preserving” is mainly used for radiation or chemoradiation treatment, most of the time the presentation of the organ and its function is successfully achieved by surgical organ preservation too while avoiding the toxic effects of chemoradiation treatment. Advancements in the area of transoral laser and robotic surgeries, minimally invasive surgical techniques, together with the optimal reconstructive surgery have been opening the new era of surgical organ preservation. Contemporary surgical approaches used to treat the oral cavity, and laryngopharyngeal carcinoma was the focus of this study. Management of the metastatic neck disease was also one of the major parts of the discussion.
“Robotic surgery in ear nose and throat.”
Parmar, A., D. G. Grant, et al. (2010).
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 267(4): 625-633.
The arrival of a commercial surgical robotic platform at our institution has raised the question of its application and usefulness within the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery. In order to answer this question, we sought to perform a qualitative review to examine the evolution of commercial surgical robotics and examine present and future applications of this emerging technology within our specialty. The main objective of this study is to examine the development and application of robotic surgery in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. The study includes a qualitative systematic review. We have reviewed research papers and studies that specifically relate to the use of robots in otorhinolaryngology. More specifically, we have attempted to review those studies that have significantly added to the development of this field. In summary, we have examined eight animal studies, six cadaveric studies, nine human trials. Robotic surgery in ENT is a safe and feasible option. In certain procedures, it offers significant benefits over conventional surgery. Instrument and robotic arm size, and costs are limiting factors that prevent the use of robots being applied to many additional ENT procedures. We feel the development of new speciality-specific robots will yield a new era in the common use of robotics in ENT.
“Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Resection in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea-Hypopnoea Syndrome: A Preliminary Report.”
Vicini, C., I. Dallan, et al. (2010).
ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 72(1): 22-27.
Purpose of the Study:To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability and efficacy of tongue base management by means of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients suffering from the obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) primarily related to hypertrophy of the tongue base. Procedure:Seventeen patients with OSAHS principally related to tongue base hypertrophy were managed by means of TORS (Intuitive da Vinci(R)). Patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were evaluated. Results: Ten patients [mean preoperative apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI): 38.3 +/- 23.5 SD] were included in the study. By means of robotic technology, the tongue base and the epiglottis could be managed. The postoperative polysomnographic results were fairly good (mean postoperative AHI: 20.6 +/- 17.3 SD), and the functional results (pain, swallowing and quality of life) are very encouraging; altogether, complications were rare and of minor importance. Conclusions: Transoral robotic tongue base management in patients with OSAHS primarily related to tongue base hypertrophy is feasible and well tolerable. These preliminary results are encouraging and worthy of further evaluation.