Transoral Robotic Surgery

Transoral Robotic Surgery – About

Transoral robotic surgery is a procedure to remove pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers in which a surgeon uses a sophisticated, computer-enhanced system to guide the surgical tools.
Transoral robotic surgery gives the surgeon an enhanced view of the cancer and surrounding tissue. Using a robotic system to guide the surgical tools allows for more-precise movements in tiny spaces and the capability to work around corners.

When compared with more-traditional procedures, transoral robotic surgery tends to result in a quicker recovery and fewer complications.

Transoral Robotic Surgery – Diagnosis

For patients diagnosed with tumors of the throat, trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) provides a minimally invasive treatment option that results in fewer scars and quicker recoveries. It is a highly precise technique designed for areas that are otherwise hard to reach.

TORS uses miniaturized robotic tools inserted through your mouth to reach tumors of the voice box, tonsils, base of the tongue, and other areas of the throat.

Transoral Robotic Surgery – Treatment

Robotic procedures are done in an operating room with a specially trained surgical staff. Patients are under general anesthesia, and are constantly monitored by an anesthesiologist.

With TORS, there are no incisions. Surgery is done entirely through the mouth using the daVinci robotic system.

During the procedure:

• A retracting instrument is inserted into the mouth to open and extend it
• A viewing scope is inserted
• Miniature instruments are attached to two robotic arms and inserted into the mouth and throat
• The surgeon sits at a nearby console and sees a 3-D, magnified view of the surgical area
• The surgeon controls every movement of the robot, which mimics the movement of the surgeon’s hands and wrists
• The surgeon cuts away the tumor and some surrounding tissue with cautery.

While the surgery is going on, a pathologist is ready and waiting. The surgeon sends the tumor to the pathologist, who examines it under a microscope. Information is then sent back to the surgeon. Depending on the pathology results, the surgeon may cut away more tissue, remove nearby lymph nodes, or remove other structures in the throat.

When the procedure is complete, the instruments and retractor are removed.