Our Summary

The research paper talks about the rise and acceptance of a surgical procedure known as transoral robotic surgery. Over a span of ten years, from 2005 to 2015, this method went from being experimental to widely accepted in the treatment of head and neck cancers, and other diseases. The use of this robotic surgery is now a standard method in treating cancers of the throat and voice box. The key to its widespread use and acceptance was education and training. The paper traces and records the journey of this surgical procedure from its initial stages on cadavers to its current practice, and also follows the process of surgical innovation in this field.

FAQs

  1. What is transoral robotic surgery and how has its role evolved in the management of head and neck cancers?
  2. How has education and training contributed to the acceptance and widespread use of transoral robotic surgery?
  3. What was the process of surgical innovation in the field of transoral robotic surgery from its early stages to recent times?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that robotic surgery can offer precise and minimally invasive treatment options for various conditions, potentially leading to faster recovery times and reduced scarring. It is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of robotic surgery with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended robotic surgery include those with head and neck cancers, especially pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Additionally, patients with other disease states such as thyroid tumors, obstructive sleep apnea, and benign tumors in the head and neck region may also be candidates for robotic surgery. Robotic surgery may be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for traditional open surgery due to factors such as obesity, previous surgeries, or complex anatomy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend robotic surgery for a patient is made on a case-by-case basis by the treating physician.

Timeline

Before robotic surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with head and neck cancer or other disease requiring surgical intervention
  • Patient and doctor discuss treatment options, including robotic surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and testing to determine eligibility for robotic surgery
  • Patient receives education on the procedure and its potential benefits and risks
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure

After robotic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes robotic surgery, which typically involves a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery
  • Patient is monitored closely in the post-operative period for any complications or side effects
  • Patient may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their recovery and assess the success of the surgery
  • Patient may experience improvements in their symptoms and quality of life as a result of the robotic surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific benefits does robotic surgery offer compared to traditional surgery for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgical team in performing robotic surgeries, particularly for my specific condition?
  4. How long is the recovery time expected to be after robotic surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to robotic surgery that I should consider?
  6. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before undergoing robotic surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of robotic surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?
  8. How long has the hospital been performing robotic surgeries, and what is their track record of success?
  9. Will I have a chance to meet with the robotic surgery team before the procedure to discuss any concerns or questions?
  10. What can I expect in terms of follow-up care and monitoring after robotic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Thaler ER. Journal: Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;53(6):943-948. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2020.07.006. Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID: 32838969