Abrasion and blunt tissue trauma study of a novel flexible robotic system in the porcine model

Flexible transoral robotic surgery: the Italian experience

Objective

This prospective, non-randomised study documents our initial experience using the Flex^® Surgical System for transoral surgery in Italy.

Methods

All patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery using the Medrobotics^® Flex^® Robotic System (Raynham, MA, USA) between March 2018 and April 2019 were reviewed. Rates of successful surgery, surgical time and complications were evaluated. 43 surgical procedures were performed in the study. The average age was 62.56 years (range 36-90 years). The Flex^® system was used successfully in surgery of the base of the tongue, palatine tonsils, supraglottis, hypopharynx and glottis, which was the most frequent target.

Results

All procedures were successfully completed. There were no intraoperative or serious postoperative complications, with no cases of intraoperative haemorrhage.

Conclusions

This is the first study in Italy evaluating the use of the Flex^® system to safely resect lesions in the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx.

Transoral surgery using the Flex Robotic System: Initial experience in the United States

BACKGROUND

This multicenter, retrospective review documents the initial experience using the Flex system for transoral surgery in 2 United States academic centers.

METHODS

All patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery using the Medrobotics Flex Robotic System (Raynham, MA) between September 2015 and May 2017 were reviewed. Rates of successful surgery and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-six men and 32 women were enrolled in the study. The average age was 55.6 years (range 17-82 years). The Flex system was used successfully in surgery of the tongue base, the palatine tonsils, the supraglottis, the glottis, the hypopharynx, the oral tongue, and the soft palate. Only 6 cases (7.6%) required readmission after discharge. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications, with no cases of intraoperative hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the United States evaluating the use of the Flex system to safely resect lesions in the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx.