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Semin Plast Surg 2014; 28(01): 035-038
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1368166
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Transoral Robotic Reconstructive Surgery

Jesse C. Selber
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Karim A. Sarhane
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Amir E. Ibrahim
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
,
Floyd C. Holsinger
3   Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 March 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a technique that allows head and neck surgeons to safely resect large and complex oropharyngeal tumors without dividing the mandible or performing a lip-split incision. These resections provide a reconstructive challenge because the cylinder of the oropharynx remains closed and both physical access and visualization of oropharyngeal anatomy is severely restricted. Transoral robotic reconstruction (TORRS) of such defects allows the reconstructive surgeon to inset free flaps or perform adjacent tissue transfer while seeing what the resecting surgeon sees. Early experience with this technique has proved feasible and effective. Robotic reconstruction has many distinct advantages over conventional surgery, and offers patients a less morbid surgical course. In this review, we discuss the clinical applicability of transoral robotic surgery in head and neck reconstruction, highlighting the benefits and limitations of such an approach, and outlining the guidelines for its utilization.

Keywords

robotics - head and neck neoplasms - head and neck reconstruction - free flaps
 

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