Robotic Surgery For Head and Neck Cancers

TORS involves accessing tumors through the mouth using a robotic system. It is commonly used for tumors in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx.

Robotic pharyngectomy involves removing part or all of the pharynx (throat) affected by cancer. It can be performed for tumors in the oropharynx or hypopharynx.

Robotic glossectomy involves the removal of part or all of the tongue affected by cancer. It can help preserve speech and swallowing function while effectively treating the cancer.

This procedure involves removing part of the larynx (voice box) affected by cancer. Robotic surgery can offer a minimally invasive approach for selected cases.

While not strictly robotic surgery, TLM is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to remove tumors in the throat. It's often used for early-stage cancers in the larynx or pharynx and shares similarities with robotic techniques.

Robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach where the surgeon uses a specialized robotic system to perform procedures.

Robot-assisted surgery uses small incisions and a robot system to perform surgery with enhanced precision. Traditional surgery typically involves larger incisions.

You may need robotic surgery to treat conditions where less invasive procedures are not suitable or the surgical site is in a hard-to-reach place.

Robot-assisted surgery is generally safe and associated with fewer complications than traditional open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and benefits based on your condition.

Benefits include smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved precision during surgery.

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and the patient's overall health. In many cases, patients can return to their normal activities more quickly compared to traditional surgery.

Eligibility depends on your specific medical condition, overall health, and other factors. Your care team will evaluate your case and discuss your options.

Your medical team will provide instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, arrival time, and what to expect during the surgery day.

The duration of the procedure can vary based on the complexity of the surgery, but it is generally shorter than traditional open surgery.

While the risks are typically lower than with open surgery, potential complications can include infection, bleeding, or reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail.

Robot-assisted surgery involves smaller incisions, which often result in less noticeable scars compared to open surgery.

Your Baptist MD Anderson care team will provide detailed instructions on pre-surgery preparations, which may include dietary guidelines and medication adjustments.

Yes, follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your recovery and ensuring that the surgical outcome is as expected.

A team of multidisciplinary providers come together to discuss each new patient's case to determine best course of treatment. Your surgeon will discuss all available treatment options with you, which may include traditional surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other less invasive procedures.