Transoral Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer: a Review

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has gained importance in the resection of head and neck tumors worldwide. Oropharyngeal cancer, especially T1 and T2 tumors of the tongue base and lateral wall, could be easily visualized using the da Vinci system. The benefits of TORS over traditional open surgery include hand tremor reduction, better visualization, and the minimization of surgical trauma. Furthermore, TORS could preserve better swallowing function compared with primary chemoradiation or conventional open surgery. Our department will prepare for the introduction of TORS in advance of its approval by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.