Alternative Applications of Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS): A Systematic Review

Maximising efficiency with exoscopic surgery: a versatile approach for transoral laryngeal and oropharyngeal procedures

Objectives

Several devices have been developed to improve head and neck surgery. 3D exoscopes provide surgeons a viable alternative to microscopes. We propose our setting for transoral exoscopic oropharyngeal (TOEOS) and transoral exoscopic laryngeal surgery (TOELS).

Methods

A case series of patients treated with the exoscopic setup at the Otolaryngology Unit of IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, is presented. Our surgical setup and surgical and oncological outcomes are described.

Results

Among 40 patients undergoing TOELS for glottic and supraglottic tumours, negative superficial and deep margins were achieved in 79.2% and 75% of patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 73.7 ± 35.9 minutes. Fourteen patients were treated by TOEOS and in only one case was re-resection required due to a positive deep margin. The mean operative time for TOEOS was 140.3 ± 82.1 minutes and the average duration of hospitalisation was 10.3 ± 3.8 days.

Conclusions

3D exoscopes improve visualisation of the surgical site in different environments and allow the use of multiple surgical instruments and lasers, easing transoral surgery. In addition, as the first surgeon's view is shared between the operatory room (OR) staff, the exoscopic setup plays a crucial role in the collaboration between the OR team and for teaching purposes.

Transoral Robotic Surgery-Assisted Removal of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Foreign Bodies with Intraoperative Localization

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in conjunction with intraoperative localization techniques for removal of challenging upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) foreign bodies.

METHODS

Three cases were taken to the operating room for removal of UADT foreign bodies. Two of these cases had previously undergone failed surgery(s). TORS was performed in all 3 cases and intraoperative localization was used in 2 cases.

RESULTS

All foreign bodies were successfully removed.

CONCLUSION

This case series is the largest-to-date on UADT foreign body removals using TORS. Additionally, the novel use of intraoperative localization techniques in conjunction with TORS is described. Such an approach can facilitate the identification of difficult-to-identify foreign bodies, as well as potentially decreasing operative time, number of operations, and associated morbidity.

A modified pull-through approach with a pedicled bone flap for oral and oropharyngeal cancer resection: a feasibility study

PURPOSE

Compromised swallowing, speaking, and local complications are the major disadvantages of established approaches to the posterior tongue and oropharynx. The mandibular split involves an esthetically unpleasant bipartition of the lower lip and is prone to bony non-union or sequestration. The conventional pull-through technique on the other hand lacks the secure reattachment of the lingually released soft tissues.

METHODS

The feasibility of a new modified pull-through approach was tested on three anatomical specimens. CAD/CAM cutting guides were used to design a retentive bone flap to properly refixate the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles after the procedure. The radiographic assessment and treatment planning was performed on 12 cadavers. The entire procedure was tested surgically via dissection in three of those cases. This procedure was then applied in a clinical case.

RESULTS

Precise repositioning and dynamic compression of bony segments was possible reproducibly and without injury to adjacent structures. In all dissected cases, a median lingual foramen was found and in two cases vessels entering it could be dissected Radiologic anatomical landmarks were sufficient in all 12 cases to perform the clinical planning procedure. Clinically, the osteotomized segment demonstrated good blood supply and plateless repositioning was verified postoperatively via cone beam scan.

CONCLUSION

The method presented is safe and easy to perform. Individual cutting guides improve the safety and accuracy of the procedure, potentially eliminating the need for osteosynthesis. We provide the anatomical and radiologic basis for clinical evaluation of this pedicled bone flap procedure and present the clinical application of this modified pull-through approach.

Single-Port Robotic Removal of a Submucosal Foreign Body in the Distal Hypopharynx

In this report, we present a 55-year-old female with cervical stenosis that underwent C5-C7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery complicated by hardware failure requiring removal. One screw remained after transcervical hardware removal due to operative difficulty with the risk of exposing the hypopharyngeal submucosal space. The retained screw caused the patient significant discomfort and dysphagia prompting a transoral attempt at removal. Using a hypopharynx blade on an oral retractor for access, the single-port surgical robot successfully removed the foreign body from the distal hypopharynx. In this case, a single-port surgical robot expanded access to the inferior hypopharynx. Laryngoscope, 134:588-591, 2024.

Preoperative predictors of difficult oropharyngeal exposure for transoral robotic surgery: The Pharyngoscore

BACKGROUND

Insufficient exposure may require termination of procedure in transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The aim of study was to develop a "Pharyngoscore" to quantify the risk of difficult oropharyngeal exposure (DOE) before TORS.

METHODS

Three-hundred six patients undergoing any surgical procedure at one Academic Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Oropharynx was exposed with Feyh-Kastenbauer retractor. Exposure was evaluated by direct and endoscopic visualization of the four oropharyngeal subsites. Preoperative clinical/anthropometric parameters were studied in good oropharyngeal exposure and DOE groups. Logistic regression was performed to explore association between clinical/anthropometric parameters and DOE. Statistically significant parameters at multivariate analysis were incorporated into a nomogram.

RESULTS

Sixty-five (21.2%) subjects were characterized by DOE. Variables associated with DOE at univariate analysis were male (p = 0.031), modified Mallampati Class (MMC) ≥ III (p < 0.001), smaller interincisor gap (p < 0.001), and larger neck circumference (p = 0.006). MMC, interincisor gap, and neck circumference were significant at multivariate analysis and were presented with a nomogram for creating the Pharyngoscore.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pharyngoscore is a promising tool for calculating DOE probability before TORS.

Robot-assisted epiglottopexy as a method for managing adult obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION

Patients who do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often seek surgical management. A variety of procedures exist to address the nasal passages, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Diagnostic studies including drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) are helpful in identifying areas of obstruction. One potential site of obstruction is at the level of the epiglottis. We describe the use of robotic technology to assist with epiglottopexy to manage epiglottic retroflexion as a cause of two patients' OSA. This is the first reported robot-assisted epiglottopexy in the adult otolaryngology literature.

METHODS

This is a case series of two patients with OSA who demonstrated epiglottis collapse into the airway during DISE. They were evaluated by polysomnographic testing (PSG), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and physical exam. Given their epiglottic collapse seen on DISE, they underwent robot-assisted epiglottopexy.

RESULTS

Both patients had moderate to severe OSA preoperatively. They successfully underwent robot-assisted epiglottopexy as a surgical intervention. They tolerated the procedure, and there have been no complications. Each reported improved symptoms, with patient one showing a decrease in total AHI and a substantial decrease in oxygen desaturations at night. The second patient reported a significant decrease in AHI and ESS.

CONCLUSION

There are many options for surgical intervention in patients with OSA. Epiglottopexy is one method for addressing collapse of the epiglottis and can be achieved successfully through robot-assisted epiglottopexy in adult patients with OSA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.