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

Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A narrative review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a prevalent and frequently recurring malignancy, often necessitates surgical intervention. The surgical margin (SM) plays a pivotal role in determining the postoperative treatment strategy and prognostic evaluation of HNSCC. Nonetheless, the process of clinical appraisal and assessment of the SMs remains a complex and indeterminate endeavor, thereby leading to potential difficulties for surgeons in defining the extent of resection. In this regard, we undertake a comprehensive review of the suggested surgical distance in varying circumstances, diverse methods of margin evaluation, and the delicate balance that must be maintained between tissue resection and preservation in head and neck surgical procedures. This review is intended to provide surgeons with pragmatic guidance in selecting the most suitable resection techniques, and in improving patients' quality of life by achieving optimal functional and aesthetic restoration.

Initial Experience With Robotic-Assisted Otologic and Lateral Skull Base Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery has gained popularity for otolaryngology procedures. It provides high-definition images and surgical precision to perform diverse procedures. It is an alternative to the operating microscope, endoscope, or exoscope when reaching hidden anatomical structures in the ear. In this proof-of-concept study, we aim to demonstrate the possibility of using a robotic-assisted device to perform ear surgery in conjunction with the microscope or the endoscope. In total, there were 9 ear and lateral skull base procedures performed with the use of robotic-assisted surgery. All surgeons underwent surveys to assess the performance and workload of the device compared to the microscope or endoscope. There were no postoperative complications. Robotic-assisted surgery was optimal for providing high image quality, ergonomics, and maintaining surgical performance. The size of the device and mental demand were higher compared to the microscope or endoscope. Robotic-assisted surgery can be an adjuvant to perform otologic and neurotologic surgery.

Why in hospital following transoral robotic lingual tonsillectomy?

BACKGROUND

The reported hospital length of stay (LOS) following transoral robotic surgery lingual tonsillectomy (TORS-L) is variable, with limited understanding of the factors requiring hospitalization and no evidence-based criteria for discharge.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This observational cohort study investigated factors hindering discharge following TORS-L in a well-defined postoperative care program.

METHODS

Patients were included between August 2020 and October 2022. A discharge scheme was filled out twice daily, specifying the factor(s) for hospitalization among patients undergoing TORS-L. This trial was a sub-investigation of a national multicentre randomized clinical trial (RCT) testing the efficiency of high-dose dexamethasone on postoperative pain control. Participation in the RCT demanded admission to the fourth postoperative day as dexamethasone/placebo was given intravenously in repeated dosages till day 4 postoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included in the analysis. The main factor for hospitalization was nutritional difficulties, while pain was a limiting factor for discharge only on the first postoperative 1-3 days. More than half of the patients could have potentially been discharged on postoperative day 2 when omitting the RCT treatment plan in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

The study estimates that the majority of patients may be discharged on postoperative day 2 following TORS-L.

Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Current Trends

Robotic surgery (RS) is an evolution of minimally invasive surgery that combines medical science, robotics, and engineering. The first robots approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were the Da Vinci Surgical System and the ZEUS Robotic Surgical System, which have been improving over time. Through the decades, the equipment applied to RS had undergone a wide transformation as a response to the development of new techniques and facilities for the assembly and implementation of the own. RS has revolutionized the field of urology, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and accuracy, and many other surgical specialties such as gynecology, general surgery, otolaryngology, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery. Several benefits, such as a better approach to the surgical site, a three-dimensional image that improves depth perception, and smaller scars, enhance range of motion, allowing the surgeon to conduct more complicated surgical operations, and reduced postoperative complications have made robotic-assisted surgery an increasingly popular approach. However, some points like the cost of surgical procedures, equipment-instrument, and maintenance are important aspects to consider. Machine learning will likely have a role to play in surgical training shortly through "automated performance metrics," where algorithms observe and "learn" individual surgeons' techniques, assess performance, and anticipate surgical outcomes with the potential to individualize surgical training and aid decision-making in real time.

Treatment of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma with advanced technologies: observational prospective evaluation of oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, quality of life and cost-effectiveness (SUPRA-QoL)

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, therapeutic options in head and neck supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma have constantly evolved. The classical total laryngectomy has been partially replaced by alternative organ- and function-sparing techniques with the same prognosis but less morbidity, such as Radiotherapy, Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) and Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS). Up to now, a prospective comparison of these innovant techniques has not been conducted.

METHODS/DESIGN

We will conduct an original international multicentric prospective nonrandomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy between these treatments (Arm 1: Radiotherapy ± chemotherapy; Arm 2: TLM and Arm 3: TORS) with 4 classes of outcomes: quality of life (QoL), oncological outcomes, functional outcomes and economic resources. The population will include cT1-T2 /cN0-N1/M0 supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The primary outcome is a Clinical Dysphagia QoL evaluation assessed by the MD Anderson Dysphagia questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include others QoL evaluation, oncological and functional measures and cost parameters. The sample size needs to reach 36 patients per arm (total 108).

DISCUSSION

In the current literature, no prospective head-to-head trials are available to compare objectively these different treatments. With the increase of highly efficient treatments and the increase of oncological survival, it is imperative also to develop management strategies that optimize QoL and functional results. We will conduct this innovate prospective trial in order to obtain objective data in these two main issues.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05611515 posted on 10/11/2022 (clinicaltrial.fgov).

Evaluation of chronological changes in videofluorographic findings after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery to reveal mechanism of dysphagia

OBJECTIVES

Transoral surgery preserves good swallowing function in most cases, however, postoperative dysphagia sometimes leads to fatal complication such as aspiration pneumonia. We investigated the chronological changes in swallowing function have not been revealed relationship with dysphagia. The primary aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of dysphagia following transoral surgery by analyzing chronological videofluorography (VF) findings. Moreover, the secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mechanism of dysphagia and risk factors of patients to clarify the risk for dysphagia lead to prevention of postoperative complications.

METHODS

22 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for either supraglottic or hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated swallowing function. We performed VF during the preoperative, postoperative acute, and stable phases and investigated the chronological changes in the VF findings. The following parameters were evaluated by VF: horizontal distance of laryngeal movement, vertical distance of laryngeal elevation, laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT), Bolus Residue Scale (BRS) scores, and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Additionally, we evaluated risk factors for postoperative aspiration by investigating relationships between preoperative VF parameters, age of patients, history of radiation therapy, resection area, tumor (T) stage, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and PAS and BRS scores.

RESULTS

The median time at which oral feeding was resumed in this study was 9 (2-200) days. The patients who had postoperative acute PAS scores of 4 and above exhibited delays in resuming oral ingestion after surgery. TOVS did not impair laryngeal elevation and LEDT; however, the BRS and PAS scores temporarily worsened in the acute phase compared to the preoperative scores. These scores almost recovered to their preoperative states in the stable phase, and both the BRS and PAS scores worsened and recovered concurrently. Patients who exhibited poor vertical distance in laryngeal elevation as observed via preoperative VF or who had histories of radiation therapy had worse PAS scores in postoperative acute phase VF. Patients with broad resection areas had worse BRS scores in postoperative acute phase VF.

CONCLUSION

TOVS didn't impair the function of laryngeal elevation and elicitation of the swallowing reflex whereas pharyngeal bolus clearance, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration temporarily deteriorated concurrently but eventually almost recovered to their baseline values. Patients with histories of radiotherapy, poor laryngeal elevation, and broad resection areas are at the risk of postoperative dysphagia after TOVS. Patients with these risk factors need appropriate evaluation before resuming postoperative oral intake.

Validation of the portable virtual reality training system for robotic surgery (PoLaRS): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As global use of surgical robotic systems is steadily increasing, surgical simulation can be an excellent way for robotic surgeons to acquire and retain their skills in a safe environment. To address the need for training in less wealthy parts of the world, an affordable surgical robot simulator (PoLaRS) was designed.

METHODS

The aim of this pilot study is to compare learning curve data of the PoLaRS prototype with those of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS) and to establish face- and construct validity. Medical students were divided into two groups; the test group (n = 18) performing tasks on PoLaRS and dVSS, and the control group (n = 20) only performing tasks on the dVSS. The performance parameters were Time, Path length, and the number of collisions. Afterwards, the test group participants filled in a questionnaire regarding both systems.

RESULTS

A total of 528 trials executed by 38 participants were measured and included for analyses. The test group significantly improved in Time, Path Length and Collisions during the PoLaRS test phase (P ≤ 0.028). No differences was found between the test group and the control group in the dVSS performances during the post-test phase. Learning curves showed similar shapes between both systems, and between both groups. Participants recognized the potential benefits of simulation training on the PoLaRS system.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic surgical skills improved during training with PoLaRS. This shows the potential of PoLaRS to become an affordable alternative to current surgical robot simulators. Validation with similar tasks and different expert levels is needed before implementing the training system into robotic training curricula.

Endoscopic near-infrared photoimmunotherapy in an orthotopic head and neck cancer model

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cell selective cancer therapy that uses an antibody-photoabsorber (IRDye700DX, IR700) conjugate (APC) and NIR light. NIR-PIT targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) was conditionally approved in Japan in 2020. APC-bound tumors can be detected using endoscopic fluorescence imaging, whereas NIR light can be delivered using endoscopic fiber optics. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the feasibility of endoscopic NIR-PIT in an orthotopic HNC model using a CD44-expressing MOC2-luc cell line; and (2) to evaluate quantitative fluorescence endoscopic imaging prior to and during NIR-PIT. The results were compared in 3 experimental groups: (1) untreated controls, (2) APC injection without light exposure (APC-IV), and (3) APC injection followed by NIR light exposure (NIR-PIT). APC injected groups showed significantly higher fluorescence signals for IR700 compared with the control group prior to therapeutic NIR light exposure, and the fluorescence signal significantly decreased in the NIR-PIT group after light exposure. After treatment, the NIR-PIT group showed significantly attenuated bioluminescence compared with the control and the APC-IV groups. Histology demonstrated diffuse necrotic death of the cancer cells in the NIR-PIT group alone. In conclusion, endoscopically delivered light combined with quantitative fluorescence imaging can be used to "see and treat" HNC. This method could also be applied to other types of cancer approachable with endoscopy.

Feeding Tube Placement Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that may predict the need for feeding tubes in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the perioperative setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Academic tertiary center.

METHODS

A retrospective series of patients undergoing TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) was identified between October 2016 and November 2019 at a single tertiary academic center. Patient data were gathered, such as frailty information, tumor characteristics, and treatment, including need for adjuvant therapy. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with feeding tube placement following TORS.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.2 years (range, 37-88 years) and 81.9% were male. Overall 82.9% of patients had human papilloma virus-associated tumors, while 28.3% were current or former smokers with a smoking history ≥10 pack-years. Eleven patients (8.0%) had a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube placed at some point during their treatment. Five patients (3.6%) had feeding tubes placed perioperatively (<4 weeks after TORS), of which 3 were nasogastric tubes. Six patients (4.3%) had feeding tubes placed in the periadjuvant treatment setting for multifactorial reasons; 5 of which were gastrostomy tubes. Only 1 patient (0.7%) was gastrostomy dependent 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression did not demonstrate any significant predictive variables affecting perioperative feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding tubes are seldom required after TORS for early-stage OPSCC. With appropriate multidisciplinary planning and care, patients may reliably avoid the need for feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC.

Functional requirements for polymeric implant materials in head and neck surgery

BACKGROUND

The pharyngeal reconstruction is a challenging aspect after pharyngeal tumor resection. The pharyngeal passage has to be restored to enable oral alimentation and speech rehabilitation. Several techniques like local transposition of skin, mucosa and/or muscle, regional flaps and free vascularized flaps have been developed to reconstruct pharyngeal defects following surgery, in order to restore function and aesthetics. The reconstruction of the pharynx by degradable, multifunctional polymeric materials would be a novel therapeutical option in head and neck surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples of an ethylene-oxide sterilized polymer (diameter 10 mm, 200μm thick) were implanted for the reconstruction of a standardized defect of the gastric wall in rats in a prospective study. The stomach is a model for a "worst case" application site to test the stability of the implant material under extreme chemical, enzymatical, bacterial, and mechanical load.

RESULTS

Fundamental parameters investigated in this animal model were a local tight closure between the polymer and surrounding tissues, histological findings of tissue regeneration and systemic responses to inflammation. A tight anastomosis between the polymer and the adjacent stomach wall was found in all animals after polymer implantation (n = 42). Histologically, a regeneration with glandular epithelium was found in the polymer group. No differences in the systemic responses to inflammation were found between the polymer group (n = 42) and the control group (n = 21) with primary wound closure of the defect of the gastric wall.

CONCLUSIONS

A sufficient stability of the polymeric material is a requirement for the pharyngeal reconstruction with implant materials.

Open Versus Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Cancer

Transoral robotic surgery is a useful minimally invasive technique in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, both human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative patients in certain instances. This treatment modality often has proven useful for certain tumor persistences or recurrences. Good outcomes are possible given appropriate patient selection, both oncologically and functionally.

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.

Transoral robotic submandibular sialadenectomy: how and when

Traditional removal of the submandibular gland is done through a transcervical approach; new proposals have come into the scientific limelight such as endoscopy-assisted transcervical sialadenectomy or (robot-assisted) submandibular sialadenectomy through a postauricular facelift transcervical approach. Transoral submandibular sialadenectomy has been described in the past, but with the advent of transoral robotic surgery, the proposal of removing the submandibular gland from the oral floor is gaining strength. A transoral robotic submandibular sialadenectomy by the Si Da Vinci Surgical Robot was performed in a 68-years-old female patient under general anaesthesia. The transoral robotic procedure was successful with no major postoperative complications. A mild tingling of the tip of the tongue was described by the patient 3 months after. The surgical time took 110 minutes. No residual gland was observed at ultrasonography. The transoral robotic submandibular sialadenectomy seems to be, with selective indication based on clinical and radiological assessment, a viable and safe alternative to traditional management in patients who refuse a cervical scar and the risk of paralysis of the facial nerve.

3D Exoscopic Surgery (3Des) for Transoral Oropharyngectomy

Over the past three decades, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has increased, primarily related to the spread of human papillomavirus. Treatment has always been preferentially unimodal (surgery or radiotherapy) for early stage disease and multimodal (surgery with adjuvant therapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy) for advanced stages. Recently, the surgical approach has gained renewed interest due to the morbidity of non-surgical treatments and also to technical innovations. We have coined the term 3Des (3D exoscope surgery) to describe the use of the 3D Vitom Exoscope System for transoral surgery of oropharyngeal cancers. During the period from June 2017 to May 2018, 10 patients with oropharyngeal cancer were treated by oropharyngeal surgery with the 3Des approach at FPO IRCCS Institute of Candiolo. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the utility of 3Des for the treatment of early-stage oropharyngeal cancer. 3Des could represent a viable alternative to the operating microscope and robotic surgery thanks to its excellent ability to provide 3D visual information, depth of field, magnification, image contrast, color imaging, and low running costs. It promises great utility in the learning process, with the possibility of recording in high definition.