Transoral Robotic Surgery: Up to Date / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Feasibility and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) were verified in the field of head and neck surgery. It has the advantages of 3D visualization, tremor filtration, and free movement of instrument arm. Within narrow working space, various procedures that is impossible with instruments used in conventional endoscopic surgery could be practiced to remove the lesions and preserve surrounding healthy structure maximally for maintenance of function. For example, inner perichondrium of thyroid cartilage was peeled off and suture technique was used to control bleeding and decrease raw mucosal surface. However, it has also disadvantages of limited instrument type, high cost of robotic system, and lack of exclusive retractor to obtain working space. And oncologic and functional results of TORS were quite acceptable for treatment of oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer. Therefore, TORS is a valid treatment option as a surgical organ-preserving strategy for patients with oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer.