Feasibility of transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy

Abstract

Background: We aimed to describe our experience with transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy at our institution between May 2007 and November 2008.

Results: During the study period, 7 patients with malignancy underwent the procedure (4 men, 3 women; average age, 61 years). All tumors were completely resected, with clear margins on pathologic analysis. Six patients underwent neck dissection at the time of transoral surgery. One intraoperative complication occurred: thermal injury to the anterior cervical skin. Four patients underwent primary tracheotomy tube placement, 3 of whom were decannulated without difficulty. Two patients required long-term gastrostomy tubes while receiving adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusions: Supraglottic malignancies can be successfully resected transorally with robotic assistance. The potential benefits of this method are improved access and visualization. Further long-term follow-up is needed to compare oncologic and functional outcomes with those of current approaches.