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Review
. 2024 Jul;26(7):840-854.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-024-01546-1. Epub 2024 May 23.

Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Tumors: What are the Current Applications?

Po Ling Catherine Chan  1 , Eddy Wai Yeung Wong  2 , Jason Ying Kuen Chan  2
Affiliations
Review

Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Tumors: What are the Current Applications?

Po Ling Catherine Chan et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Background: The journey from radical treatments to the precision of robotic surgery underscores a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care in the field of head and neck oncology.

Purpose of review: This article provides a comprehensive overview that not only informs but also stimulates ongoing discourse and investigation into the optimization of patient care through robotic surgery. The literature on current robotic applications within head and neck region was systematically reviewed.

Recent findings: Thirty-four studies with a total of 1835 patients undergoing robotic surgery in head and neck region were included. Clinical staging, histological types, operative duration, postoperative complications, functional recovery and survival outcomes were compared and evaluated. Clinical outcomes have shown promising results and thus the indication on the robotic usage has no longer been limited to oropharyngeal region but from skull base to neck dissection. The latest advancement in robotic surgery further refines the capabilities of surgeons into previously difficult-to-access head and neck regions and heralds a new era of surgical treatment for head and neck oncology.

Keywords: Head and neck surgical oncology; Head and neck tumor; Robotic advancement; Robotic approaches; Robotic surgery; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial interests

All authors declare that they received no financial contribution for the authorship or publication of this article.

Non-financial interest

P.L.C.C and E.W.Y.W. declare that they received no non-financial contribution for the authorship or publication of this article. J.Y.K.C. is the co-founder of Agilis Robotics Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, receives research funding and is the consultant from MSD.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) flowchart
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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