Transoral robotic total laryngectomy

One hundred fifty years of total laryngectomies

The inaugural total laryngectomy in history was conducted by Billroth in 1873. Nevertheless, significant enhancements to the technique were achieved through the contributions of Gluck, Sorensen, and various other surgeons. Throughout the twentieth century, advancements in anesthesia, infectious disease, hospital hygiene, antibiotic therapy, resuscitation, and the expertise of numerous laryngologists elevated total laryngectomy to a pivotal surgical intervention in head and neck surgery. The latter half of the twentieth century witnessed a paradigm shift with the emergence of organ preservation protocols. Total laryngectomy became the preferred choice for patients experiencing radiotherapy failure. However, the widespread use of laryngeal conservative treatments appears to be correlated with a decline in overall survival rates in the United States and Europe. The evolution of new minimally invasive surgical approaches in the twenty-first century may usher in a revolutionary era in the management of laryngeal carcinoma, offering the potential for improved survival and functional outcomes.

Robotic and endoscopic trans-oral total laryngectomy, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Trans-oral total laryngectomy (TOTL) is a novel minimally invasive approach to narrow-field laryngectomy. The objective of this study was to review published data on robotic and endoscopic-assisted TOTL to examine oncologic, functional, and adverse outcomes. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched between January 2009 and December 2023. PRISMA guidelines were used for data abstraction independently by two reviewers. Proportional meta-analysis (random effects model) was used for analysis. Main outcomes included oncologic outcomes (margin status, recurrence rate) and surgical complications (fistula, hemorrhage, need for second operation). Eight studies were included (total of 37 patients). Cases included 31 robotic-assisted, 3 endoscopic-assisted, and 3 robotic cases which required conversion to open approach. Most cases were performed for laryngeal SCC (22 patients, 59.5%). Primary closure was achieved in all patients. Negative margins were achieved in 20 of 21 patients with LSCC. Recurrence data was reported in 20 LSCC patients with disease recurrence in 4 patients (20%). Follow-up was described for 15 patients (mean of 3.5 years, range 1.6-5.8 years). Eleven complications occurred including fistula, bleed, and stomal stenosis with a pooled rate of 33.7% (95% CI: 16.4-53.0%, I2 = 0). Six fistulas occurred with a pooled rate of 23.2% (95% CI: 5.8-45.4%, I2 = 0). TOTL is an emerging treatment modality appropriate for select patients requiring TL and offers a minimally invasive approach with less tissue disruption. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine its oncologic outcomes and complications. Larger case series with adequate follow-up are needed to better characterize TOTL outcomes.

The influence of perioperative enoxaparin on bleeding after TORS oropharyngectomy

Perioperative enoxaparin is often avoided in patients undergoing transoral robotic (TORS) oropharyngectomy. Our goal was to quantify the risk of postoperative hemorrhage (POH) in patients receiving enoxaparin after TORS oropharyngectomy. This was a retrospective database cohort study set up in 89 separate healthcare organizations. The TriNetX electronic database was queried for patients with OPSCC who underwent TORS oropharyngectomy. Propensity-score matching was used to create two cohorts, one receiving and one not receiving perioperative enoxaparin. Outcome measures were the POH rate within 1 day of surgery ("primary") and POH rate within 2-30 days of surgery ("secondary"). 1109 patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified, 400 of which received perioperative enoxaparin. One-to-one propensity score matching resulted in 310 patients per cohort. After matching, the primary POH rates between patients receiving and not receiving enoxaparin were 3.23% for both cohorts (OR 1.000, 95% CI 0.410 to 2.438). The secondary POH rates between those receiving and not receiving enoxaparin were 5.47% vs. 3.54% (OR 1.577, 95% CI 0.726 to 3.424). The number needed to harm (NNH) with perioperative enoxaparin use for secondary POH after TORS was 53; no difference was found in primary POH rates. While not statistically significant, the use of perioperative enoxaparin after TORS is associated with increased odds of secondary POH with a NNH of 53; no difference was found in rates of primary POH. For patients undergoing TORS, enoxaparin use requires careful weighing of the risks and benefits.

The Role of Robotic Surgery in Laryngeal Cancer

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a growing field in the treatment of head and neck cancers. Its benefits have been proven in the treatment of oropharynx HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma, replacing chemoradiation as primary treatment of early-stage cancers or reducing the required radiation dosage, leading to improved functional outcomes without compromising oncological outcomes. There is also interest in the application of TORS for larynx cancer with the hope of achieving similar outcomes to replace open surgery or radiation treatments. Specifically, in the larynx, TORS can be used to resect supraglottic or glottic tumors.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer: Advances and Residual Knowledge Gaps

Minimally invasive surgery is a growing field in surgical oncology. After acquiring its first Food and Drug Administration approval in 2009 for T1–T2 malignancies of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has gained popularity thanks to its wristed instruments and magnified three-dimensional view, enhancing surgical comfort in remote-access areas. Its indications are expanding in the treatment of head and neck cancer, i.e., resection of tumors of the larynx, hypopharynx, or parapharyngeal space. However, this expansion must remain cautious and based on high-level evidence, in order to guarantee safety and oncological outcomes which are comparable to conventional approaches. This narrative review assesses the current role of TORS in head and neck cancer from an evidence-based perspective, and then identifies what knowledge gaps remain to be addressed.

Laryngeal Cancer Surgery: History and Current Indications of Transoral Laser Microsurgery and Transoral Robotic Surgery

The development of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) was an important step in the history of conservative laryngeal surgery. TLM reported comparable oncological outcomes and better functional postoperative and rehabilitation outcomes than open partial laryngectomy. TLM is currently considered as the standard surgical approach for early-stage laryngeal carcinoma. However, TLM has many limitations, including the limited view of the surgical field through the laryngoscope, exposure difficulties for some tumor locations, and a long learning curve. The development of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) appears to be an important issue to overcome these limitations. The current robotic technologies used in surgery benefited from the research of the U.S. Military and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the 1970s and 1980s. The first application in humans started in the 2000s with the first robotic-assisted cholecystectomy in the US, performed by a surgeon located in France. The use of robots in otolaryngology occurred after the development of the Da Vinci system in digestive surgery, urology, and gynecology, and mainly concerns cT1-T2 and some selected cT3 oropharyngeal and supraglottic carcinomas. With the development of a new robotic system with smaller arms and instruments, TORS indications will probably evolve in the next few years, leading to better outcomes for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinomas.

The robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach for tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract with limited transoral access: First description of oncological and functional outcomes

We report on the first clinical experience with the robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA) for access to constrained spaces of the upper aerodigestive tract. This prospective case cohort study include six patients that underwent RESA if transoral exposure could not be achieved. Three patients received previous radiation. Patients were postoperatively followed until week 16 for perioperative complications, surgical margins, and functional outcomes. In all patients RESA allowed adequate exposure and resection with negative margins. Three patients who underwent salvage surgery experienced a minor or intermediate grade postoperative bleeding. No patient developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula. Three patients recovered their swallowing to their preoperative status and the remaining three experienced an improvement. All patients experienced complete recovery of their voice. RESA has the potential to provide a new organ preservation approach for head and neck cancer (HNC) not amenable to transoral exposure and thus warrants further prospective clinical studies.

Clinical anatomy of superior laryngeal artery via transoral approach

Objective

Hemorrhage is the most common complication caused by transoral laryngopharyngeal surgery. It is believed that proper management of the superior laryngeal artery (SLA), the main feeding artery for the larynx and pharynx, may reduce intra- and postoperative hemorrhage incidence. The aim of this study was to illustrate the anatomy of the SLA via transoral endoscopic approach.

Methods

Fourteen sides of SLA from heads of seven fresh-frozen and silicone-injected cadavers were dissected. Transoral dissections were performed for the intra-laryngeal segment of SLA, and transcervical dissections were performed to confirm the anatomical measurements.

Results

SLA had a slightly descending course from the origin to the larynx, and there was a major branch supplying the epiglottis, named pharyngo-epiglottic artery (PEA). Parallel with the internal superior laryngeal nerve (ISLN), SLA passed through the thyrohyoid membrane and ended into the hypopharynx. The distance from SLA to the superior horn of thyroid cartilage (SHTC) was (9.11 ± 0.58)mm on the left and (9.01 ± 0.37)mm on the right; the distance from SLA to the inferior margin of the hyoid bone (IMHB) was (2.00 ± 0.11)mm on the left and (1.95 ± 0.08)mm on the right; the distance from SLA to ISLN was (5.98 ± 0.48)mm on the left and (5.78 ± 0.36)mm on the right. No significant difference was found between bilateral sides (p > 0.05). Moreover, the distance from SLA to superior margin of thyroid cartilage (SMTC) was (5.52 ± 0.24)mm on the left and (5.80 ± 0.15)mm on the right. A significant difference was also found between bilateral sides (p = 0.03), which might suggest the SLA is located further from the SMTC on the right side.

Conclusion

SHTC, SMTC, and IMHB could be regarded as anatomical landmarks to locate SLA when applying a transoral approach. Moreover, a complete understanding of the detailed anatomy of the superior laryngeal artery may improve the detection of hemostasis in transoral laryngeal or hypo-pharyngeal surgery.

Transoral Robotic Surgery

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) became a valuable new head and neck surgery approach from the past decade since its approval. TORS was initially conceived for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC); now, the indications are gradually extrapolated into other subsites. There have been numerous studies comparing the outcomes following surgical and non-surgical treatment, especially for oropharyngeal cancers. TORS for laryngeal cancers is in its infancy, and only a few reports are describing it. Many report suggestive of better functional outcomes following TORS, but level 1 evidence is still lacking. With the further development of novel, flexible, miniaturized robots, it is highly likely to expand TORS indications further. This article provides an overview of TORS in head and neck cancers.

Surgical and oncological outcomes of transoral robotic total laryngectomy: A case series

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the oncological, functional and voice rehabilitation outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for total laryngectomy (TORS-TL).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients treated by TORS-TL was conducted at a single academic medical center. The following outcomes were studied: indication; average robotic set-up and operative times; mean estimated blood loss; postoperative complications; re-feeding features; mean hospital stay; need of adjuvant therapy and voice rehabilitation type.

RESULTS

TORS-TL was performed in 10 patients for the following indications: nonfunctional larynx (N = 2); low-grade cricoid chondrosarcoma (N = 3) and recurrent laryngeal cancer after (chemo) radiation (N = 5). Two patients were excluded because the larynx was not exposable. Average robotic set-up and operative times were 20 and 278 min, respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The mean hospital stay was 13.9 days (8-28 days). There was no local recurrence in patients operated for cancer recurrence (N = 5) 5 years after the surgery. Distant metastases occurred in one patient. A patient with laryngeal chondrosarcoma experienced local failure 3 years after TORS-TL. The voice rehabilitation consisted of esophageal voice (N = 2) and tracheoesophageal prosthesis (Provox®, N = 8). The main reasons for prosthesis replacement were transprosthetic (79%) and periprosthetic leaks (21%). The median lifespan of prostheses was 81 days.

CONCLUSION

TORS-TL may be a safe and effective surgical approach for selected surgical indications. Future controlled studies are needed to determine additional indications and limitations of this procedure.

Robotic and Endoscopic Approaches to Head and Neck Surgery

Technological developments have disrupted the practice of medicine throughout history. Endoscopic and robotic techniques in head and neck surgery have emerged over the past half-century and have been incrementally adapted to expanding indications within otolaryngology. Robotic and endoscopic surgery have an established role in treatment of oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, reducing surgical morbidity and improving survival relative to traditional open approaches. Surgical treatment of human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal cancer via transoral robotic surgery offers equivalent oncologic and functional outcomes relative to radiotherapy. Newer iterations of single-port robotic systems continue to expand the scope of robotics in head and neck surgery.

Total Laryngectomy-Still Cutting-Edge?

Surgical removal of the larynx (total laryngectomy) offers a curative approach to patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal (squamous cell) cancer without distant metastases. Particularly in T4a carcinoma, laryngectomy seems prognostically superior to primary radio(chemo)therapy. Further relevant indications for laryngectomy include massive laryngeal dysfunction associated with aspiration and recurrence after radio(chemo)therapy, resulting in salvage surgery. The surgical procedure including neck dissection is highly standardised and safe. The resulting aphonia can be compensated by functional rehabilitation (e.g., voice prosthesis) associated with a significant quality of life improvement. This article presents an overview of indications, preoperative diagnostics, surgical procedures, including new developments (robotics), possible complications, the choice of adjuvant treatment, alternative therapeutic approaches, rehabilitation and prognosis. In summary, total laryngectomy still represents a relevant surgical procedure in modern head and neck oncology.

How close are we to anterior robotic skull base surgery?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The application of robotic surgery to anterior skull base disease has yet to be defined despite the potential for improved tumour resection with less morbidity in this region. Complex anatomy and restricted access have limited the development of robotic anterior skull base surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

A limited number of transoral robotic surgical anterior skull base procedures have been undertaken; however, there are significant limitations to the utilization of this technology in the anterior skull base. In this article, the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of robotic anterior skull base surgery are discussed. Currently, the major limitation is the size of the robotic endoscope and of the available instrumentation. Technological advancements that provide promise for the future development of robotic anterior skull base surgery are in development, such as single-port robots, flexible instrument systems and miniaturization and growth of minimally invasive platforms.

SUMMARY

Although transnasal access to the skull base is not possible with the currently available robotic systems, promising technology does exist and is in development. Robotic anterior skull base surgery promises to provide greater access to skull base disease, improve oncologic results, reduce morbidity and to reduce the ergonomic burden on the surgeon.

Transoral Laser-Assisted Total Laryngectomy: Expanding the TLM's World

Introduction

The introduction of laryngeal transoral procedures has created a shift in the treatment of laryngeal cancers towards the primary surgical management of patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of the transoral laser-assisted total laryngectomy (TLM-TL) in advanced laryngeal cancer. Case presentation. In this case report, we describe a case of a 50-year-old male patient presented to the otorhinolaryngology clinic with a history of hoarseness and odynophagia since 6 months. Based on the pathological and imaging findings, the diagnosis of stage IVa laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with the involvement of the base, tongue, and left palatine tonsil was made for the patient, and transoral total laryngectomy with partial glossectomy via the TLM technique was planned.

Result

The tumor was successfully resected by TLM-TL with clear surgical margins. No complication was observed after the surgery. Good functional recovery was obtained regarding swallowing and speech. The patient's oncologic and functional outcomes were evaluated for 2 years. Everything was satisfactory with good long-term cosmetic and laryngopharyngeal functional outcome and no sign of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

TLM-TL is a minimally invasive and cost-benefit endoscopic surgical procedure feasible in advanced laryngeal cancer with good long-term oncological and functional outcome. It could limit postoperative complications, mainly the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulae. It is also associated with better satisfaction after TL due to cosmetic benefits.

Long-term outcomes of trans-oral robotic surgery-assisted total laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal cancers

OBJECTIVE

For recurrent laryngeal cancers, trans-oral robotic surgery has been used to perform total laryngectomy, but limited cases had been reported without long-term outcome follow-up. This study aims at presenting the largest longitudinal retrospective cohort in a single tertiary referral medical center.

METHODS

From November 2013 to August 2017, seven patients with recurrent laryngeal cancers without evidence of neck metastasis were selected to receive trans-oral robotic surgery-assisted TL without neck dissection. The para-operative details including the surgical success rates, surgical methods, resection extent, drainage tube placement, pharyngeal wound closure, console surgical time, pathologic findings and long-term complications were reviewed and described. The study end points include survival rates and preservation of swallowing function without tube feeding.

RESULTS

Trans-oral robotic surgery-assisted total laryngectomy was successfully performed on all seven patients with mean surgical console time of 111 ± 66 min. Strap muscles and hyoid bone were resected like open surgery in six and five patients, respectively. For all the seven patients, there was no severe pharyngo-cutaneous fistula formation requiring repair in a second surgery, but tracheostoma stenosis was not uncommon (57%). Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy. After follow-up of 36.1 ± 15.8 months, two patients had neck recurrence, and one patient died 19 months after surgery, but the other five patients were alive without disease recurrence. The overall survival rate was 85.7% (6/7), and all patients had good swallowing function without tube feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-oral robotic surgery-assisted total laryngectomy is a feasible approach for selected patients with recurrent laryngeal cancers. The oncologic and functional outcomes were satisfactory. Further larger cohort study is worthwhile to further elucidate the value of trans-oral robotic surgery-assisted total laryngectomy.

A new endoscopic surgical approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck lymphatics: The robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA)

BACKGROUND

We report on the feasibility of a novel robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA) to the larynx, hypopharynx, and lateral neck lymphatics.

METHODS

Studies were performed using the da Vinci Xi and SP system on three cadavers comprising of three supraglottic laryngectomies, one partial hypopharyngectomy, and four lateral level II to IV neck dissections.

RESULTS

In all resections at first a central common working space overlying the hyoid bone was created. The da Vinci Xi system was used with two vestibular and two submental ports for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal resections, and an additional port through a facelift incision for level II to IV neck dissections. The da Vinci SP system was used with only one submental port.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe herein a novel endoscopic robotic approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck based on the traditional "Sistrunk" procedure. The technique should help improving exposure of the primary lesion and reduce access-related morbidity to the neck.

[Laryngectomy-still state of the art?]

Total laryngectomy provides a curative approach for patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer without distant metastasis. Especially in stage cT4a disease, laryngectomy is superior to primary radio(chemo)therapy in retrospective studies. Further relevant indications for the procedure are tumor-related laryngeal dysfunction such as dysphagia and aspiration, as well as cancer recurrence after primary radio(chemo)therapy. The surgical procedure is highly standardized, with an appropriate safety profile. The subsequent loss of voice must be compensated by voice rehabilitation (voice prosthesis, ructus). The current overview provides information about indications for laryngectomy, preoperative clinical diagnostics, the surgical procedure, complications, alternative treatment, rehabilitation, and prognosis. Total laryngectomy remains a standard procedure in modern head and neck oncology.

The dawn of robotic surgery in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) utilizing the da Vinci robotic system has opened a new era for minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Awareness of the historical steps in developing robotic surgery (RS) and understanding its current application within our field can help open our imaginations to future of the surgical robotics. We compiled a historical perspective on the evolution of surgical robotics, the road to the da Vinci surgical system, and conducted a review of TORS regarding clinical applications and limitations, prospective clinical trials and current status in Japan. We also provided commentary on the future of surgical robotics within our field. Surgical robotics grew out of the pursuit of telerobotics and the advances in robotics for non-medical applications. Today in our field, cancers and diseases of oropharynx and supraglottis are the most common indications for RS. It has proved capable of preserving the laryngopharyngeal function without compromising oncologic outcomes, and reducing the intensity of adjuvant therapy. TORS has become a standard modality for MIS, and will continue to evolve in the future. As robotic surgical systems evolve with improved capabilities in visual augmentation, spatial navigation, miniaturization, force-feedback and cost-effectiveness, we will see further advances in the current indications, and an expansion of indications. By promoting borderless international collaborations that put 'patients first', the bright future of surgical robotics will synergistically expand to the limits of our imaginations.

Robotics in otorhinolaryngology - head and neck surgery

A look at the past, present and future.

A Contemporary Review of Evidence for Transoral Robotic Surgery in Laryngeal Cancer

Numerous studies have shown that transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancers is safe and that it yields satisfactory functional and oncological outcomes. For many teams worldwide, it is therefore a standard surgical approach with eligible patients. In the same time, TORS is increasingly being used and described in the context of laryngeal cancer surgery. It is proposed as an alternative to open approaches, which may yield inconsistent functional results and significant rates of postoperative complications. It may also be an alternative to definitive radiotherapy, which entails significant early and late toxicities. Moreover, it has been explored as an alternative to endoscopic laser surgery in patients with difficult exposure, even though there is still a lack of evidence about which procedure provides better vizualization of the vocal cords. This article provides a review of the indications for TORS in laryngeal cancer, the peri-operative morbidity, functional outcomes, and oncological results.

[Robotic Surgery - Who is The Boss?]

In the head and neck region, great potential is seen in robot-assisted surgery (RAS). Mainly in cancer surgery, the use of robotic systems seems to be of interest. Until today, two robotic systems (DaVinci® und FLEX®) have gained approval for clinical use in the head and neck region, and multiple other systems are currently in pre-clinical testing. Although, certain groups of patients may benefit from RAS, no unbiased randomized clinical studies are available. Until today, it was not possible to satisfactorily prove any advantage of RAS as compared to standard procedures. The limited clinical benefit and the additional financial burden seem to be the main reasons, why the comprehensive application of RAS has not been realized so far.This review article describes the large variety of clinical applications for RAS in the head and neck region. In addition, the financial and technical challenges, as well as ongoing developments of RAS are highlighted. Special focus is put on risks associated with RAS and current clinical studies. We believe, that RAS will find its way into clinical routine during the next years. Therefore, medical staff will have to increasingly face the technical, scientific and ethical features of RAS.

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Laryngeal Carcinoma: Transoral Endoscopic Laser and Transoral Robotic Surgery

Open partial or total laryngectomies with or without radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are the only mainstays in the treatment of laryngeal carcinomas. However, minimally invasive procedures such as transoral endoscopic carbondioxide laser microsurgery (TLM) or transoral robotic surgeries (TRS) are now being increasingly used in selected patients. The laryngeal framework is not disturbed in these procedures; therefore, the postoperative swallowing function improves more rapidly, and routine tracheotomy is not usually required. Moreover, they have oncological results comparable with open procedures.

Open Maximal Mucosa-Sparing Functional Total Laryngectomy

Background

Total laryngectomy after (chemo)radiotherapy is associated with a high incidence of fistula and therefore flaps are advocated. The description of a transoral robotic total laryngectomy prompted us to develop similar minimally invasive open approaches for functional total laryngectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive unselected patients with a dysfunctional larynx after (chemo)radiation that underwent open maximal mucosal-sparing functional total laryngectomy (MMSTL) between 2014 and 2016 is presented. The surgical technique is described, and the complications and functional outcome are reviewed.

Results

The cohorts included 10 patients who underwent open MMSTL. No pedicled flap was used. Only one postoperative fistula was noted (10%). All patients resumed oral diet and experienced a functional tracheo-esophageal voice.

Conclusion

MMSTL could be used to perform functional total laryngectomy without a robot and with minimal incidence of complications.

Transoral Robotic Surgery Total Laryngectomy: Evaluation of Functional and Survival Outcomes in a Retrospective Case Series at a Single Institution

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery total laryngectomy (TORS-TL) is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgical approach which can theoretically minimise the morbidity of large external incisions and limit dissection of tissue planes so as to reduce the risk of pharyngocutaneous fistulae related to poor tissue healing secondary to radiation soft tissue injury or malnutrition. The purpose of this paper was to report our experience with this uncommon surgical approach.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution to evaluate the functional and survival outcomes of a series of patients who underwent TORS-TL.

RESULTS

TORS-TL was performed on 5 patients. Two patients had total laryngectomy for recurrent aspiration secondary to neurological disorders, 1 patient had an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the subglottis, 1 patient had a low-grade subglottic chondrosarcoma, and 1 patient had a T2 local recurrence of glottic squamous cell carcinoma following treatment with primary chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

TORS-TL is a feasible and safe treatment option with possible advantages for carefully selected patients in experienced hands.

Demonstration of transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy in cadaveric specimens using the Medrobotics Flex System

BACKGROUND

Current management of laryngeal malignancies is associated with significant morbidity. Application of minimally invasive transoral techniques may reduce the morbidity associated with traditional procedures. The purpose of this study was to present our investigation of the utility of a novel flexible robotic system for transoral supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy.

METHODS

Transoral total laryngectomy and transoral supraglottic laryngectomy were performed in cadaveric specimens using the Flex Robotic System (Medrobotics, Raynham, MA).

RESULTS

All procedures were completed successfully in the cadaveric models. The articulated endoscope allowed for access to the desired surgical site. Flexible instruments enabled an atraumatic approach and allowed for precise surgical technique.

CONCLUSION

Access to deep anatomic structures remains problematic using current minimally invasive robotic approaches. Improvements in visualization and access to the laryngopharyngeal complex offered by this system may improve surgical applications to the larynx. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility using the Flex Robotic System for transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1218-1225, 2017.

Evidence and evidence gaps of laryngeal cancer surgery

Surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer has been established for decades. In addition to total laryngectomy, which was first performed in 1873, a large number or organ preservation surgical techniques, like open partial laryngectomy, transoral laser microsurgery, and transoral robotic surgery have been developed. Studies on laryngeal cancer surgery are mainly retrospective case series and cohort studies. The evolution of chemoradiation protocols and their analysis in prospective randomized trials have led to an increasing acceptance of non-surgical treatment procedures. In addition to an improvement of prognosis, in recent years the preservation of function and maintenance of life quality after primary therapy of laryngeal cancer has increasingly become the focus of therapy planning. Significant late toxicity after chemoradiation has been identified as an important issue. This leads to a reassessment of surgical concepts and initiation of studies on laryngeal cancer surgery which was additionally stimulated by the advent of transoral robotic surgery in the US. Improving the evidence base of laryngeal cancer surgery by successful establishment of surgical trials should be the future goal.

Transoral robotic surgery frontiers

Transoral robotic surgery is a exciting field that continues to develop and push the boundaries of current procedural ability and challenges historical treatment paradigms. With the first use of a surgical robot in 1985, to the first clinical use of the robot transorally in 2005, there was some lag in adoption of robotic techniques in the head and neck region. However, since 2005 transoral robotic surgery has rapidly gained momentum amongst head and neck surgeons. With FDA approval of the da Vinci robot in 2009, transoral robotic surgery is currently offered as a treatment modality for malignant and nonmalignant disease of the head and neck region. This new technology is being used to reconsider historical treatment paradigms for malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract due to the fact that minimally invasive surgical access to the oropharynx and larynx has been improved. Along with this enhanced access have come innovative procedures and uses of the technology for multiple facets of head and neck disease. Technology continues to improve and innovation in surgical robotics is expected to continue as more companies attempt to capture this market. This article aims to provide a view at the landscape of transoral robotic surgery and explore the future frontiers.

Transoral robotic surgery and oropharyngeal cancer: a literature review

The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has risen steadily over the past decade due to the increase in cancers associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The prognosis for the treatment of this type of cancer with radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy is good. However, because these treatments can have detrimental effects on organ function and quality of life, researchers are looking into transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as a possible alternate therapy. TORS might have a positive effect on postoperative function and quality of life for cancer survivors. The aim of this review is to report on the current situation regarding the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer with TORS, with a focus on the long-term oncologic and functional outcomes of this strategy. The articles cited in this review were selected from the PubMed and MEDLINE database. They contain study results pertaining to TORS implementation, complications, oncologic and functional outcomes, and the implications of HPV-associated cancer. We found that while TORS has some clear advantages and strengths and almost certainly a permanent place in future treatment, further research is necessary to correctly evaluate the role it will play in the complete management of oropharyngeal cancer.

Hybrid procedure for total laryngectomy with a flexible robot-assisted surgical system

INTRODUCTION

Total laryngectomy is a standard procedure in head-and-neck surgery for the treatment of cancer patients. Recent clinical experiences have indicated a clinical benefit for patients undergoing transoral robot-assisted total laryngectomy (TORS-TL) with commercially available systems. Here, a new hybrid procedure for total laryngectomy is presented.

METHODS

TORS-TL was performed in human cadavers (n = 3) using a transoral-transcervical hybrid procedure. The transoral approach was performed with a robotic flexible robot-assisted surgical system (Flex®) and compatible flexible instruments. Transoral access and visualization of anatomical landmarks were studied in detail.

RESULTS

Total laryngectomy is feasible with a combined transoral-transcervical approach using the flexible robot-assisted surgical system. Transoral visualization of all anatomical structures is sufficient. The flexible design of the robot is advantageous for transoral surgery of the laryngeal structures.

CONCLUSION

Transoral robot assisted surgery has the potential to reduce morbidity, hospital time and fistula rates in a selected group of patients. Initial clinical studies and further development of supplemental tools are in progress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transoral ultrasonic total laryngectomy (TOUSS-TL): description of a new endoscopic approach and report of two cases

The minimally invasive total laryngectomy avoids a wide surgical field and so it has the potential benefit of reducing the local morbidity, especially on radiated patients. This approach has been previously described on a robotic basis, the transoral robotic total laryngectomy (TORS-TL). We have designed a minimally invasive approach for total laryngectomy (TL) using the transoral ultrasonic surgery technique (TOUSS). TOUSS is a transoral, endoscopic, non-robotic approach for laryngeal and pharyngeal tumors, based on the ultrasonic scalpel as a resection tool. Two patients with a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with indication for total laryngectomy were surgically treated: one primary TL for a subglottic carcinoma and one salvage TL with partial pharyngectomy for a local relapse after chemoradiotherapy of a glottic carcinoma. The tumors were completely removed with free surgical margin in both patients. The functional recovery was satisfactory in terms of swallowing and speech (a tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis placement were done in the same procedure). No intraoperative complications were observed. The patient with previous chemoradiotherapy had a pharyngocutaneous fistula which closed spontaneously without additional surgery. We have demonstrated that transoral endoscopic approach to the larynx and pharynx is feasible without a robotic platform. TOUSS-TL can easily spread the transoral endoscopic philosophy as well as the benefits of a minimally invasive way to remove the entire larynx. Further research will show the advantages in terms of complications and functional outcomes.

Transoral Robotic Surgery in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Context

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has increased during the past decade and is related primarily to the human papillomavirus. This change in etiology, from tobacco and alcohol to human papillomavirus, has resulted in improved survival for the disease. In the United States, open resection had largely been replaced by concurrent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy by the early 2000s. The advent of transoral surgery has led to an increase in surgery as the primary treatment for both early- and advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma because it has potential advantages over open surgery and nonsurgical modalities.

Objective

To provide an overview of transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and contrast it with other surgical and nonsurgical modalities.

Data Sources

Articles from 2000 to 2014 were accessioned on PubMed and reviewed for utility by the primary authors.

Conclusions

Transoral surgery has become more commonly used as a minimally invasive approach to treat oropharyngeal tumors. Other strategies, including radiation, chemotherapy with radiation, and open surgery, are still important treatment approaches. The treatment options for an individual patient rely on multiple factors, including the tumor location and size, features of the tumor, and patient comorbidities. The continued study of these techniques is important to match the patient with the most appropriate treatment.

The impact of marketing language on patient preference for robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery is gaining momentum as a new trend in minimally invasive surgery. With limited evidence supporting its use in place of the far less expensive conventional laparoscopic surgery, it has been suggested that marketing pressure is partly responsible for its widespread adoption. The impact of phrases that promote the novelty of robot-assisted surgery on patient decision making has not been investigated. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to elicit preference of partial colectomy technique for a hypothetical diagnosis of colon cancer. A convenience sample of 38 participants in an ambulatory general surgery clinic consented to participate. Each participant made 2 treatment decisions between robot-assisted surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery, with robot-assisted surgery described as "innovative" and "state-of-the-art" in one of the decisions (marketing frame), and by a disclosure of the uncertainty of available evidence in the other (evidence-based frame). The magnitude of the framing effect was large with 12 of 38 subjects (31.6%, P = .005) selecting robot-assisted surgery in the marketing frame and not the evidence-based frame. This is the first study to our knowledge to demonstrate that words that highlight novelty have an important influence on patient preference for robot-assisted surgery and that use of more neutral language can mitigate this effect.

Development of a new endoscope holder for head and neck surgery--from the technical design concept to implementation

Endoscope holders are utilized by a variety of surgeons but are not commonplace in head and neck surgery. The SOLOASSIST active camera holder, which is currently used for abdominal surgery, will soon be adapted for head and neck surgery in collaboration with AKTORmed GmbH SOLO SURGERY (Barbing, Germany). In our pre-feasibility study, we analyzed the use of the existing endoscope holder on anatomical specimens during head and neck surgery. Based on these results, we are proceeding towards the development of a new endoscope holder for head and neck surgery. First, we drafted the technical concepts and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the system. Then, we used anatomic specimens to measure the forces that occur intraoperatively during sinus surgery. Next, we designed a computer-aided design (CAD) model. Finally, we developed the first production prototype and used it for a frontal skull base procedure on an anatomical specimen. We present the three most promising concepts for a new holder. The resulting total force (F res = √(X (2) + Y (2) + Z (2))) was calculated to be 3.2 N during sinus surgery. We could observe all necessary intraoperative landmarks with the endoscope and its holder in a sinus and frontal skull base surgery. We developed a production prototype of a new endoscope holder and demonstrate satisfactory results in the use of anatomic specimens for skull base surgery.

[Principles of larynx surgery and nurse surveillance]

Endoscopic transoral surgical techniques have developed, adapted to forms of early stage larynx cancer. A total laryngectomy remains the only treatment for patients suffering from an advanced stage cancer which is not receptive to organ preservation strategies. For all these patients, nurse surveillance combines technical and relational care.

A systematic review of current and emerging approaches in the field of larynx preservation

Treatment options targeting laryngeal preservation include conservative surgery, concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by radiotherapy (RT), and alternating chemo-radiation. The goal of this paper was to perform a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on current and emerging approaches in the field of larynx preservation. The search identified 36 papers of which 27 did not fall within the inclusion criteria (i.e. non-RCTs). IC followed by RT has been shown to allow laryngeal preservation in about two-thirds of pts with locally advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer without compromising survival. IC is regarded as the landmark treatment of non-surgical larynx preservation approaches. Concomitant and alternating chemoradiotherapy treatments are also acceptable in larynx preservation.