The First Human Trial of Transoral Robotic Surgery Using a Single-Port Robotic System in the Treatment of Laryngo-Pharyngeal Cancer

Background This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the DaVinci SP system for performing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods From October 2018 to April 2019, the medical records of 41 patients who underwent TORS using the DaVinci SP system were retrospectively reviewed. Results During TORS, three robotic arms could be used to perform a geometric resection of the lesion in a narrow working space. The mean total operation time was 60 min, and the average time required to set up the robotic system was 10 min or less. All patients successfully underwent TORS. All robotic arms were inserted through a single port, which widened the working space around the patient’s head and allowed the operative assistant an easy approach to the patient during the operation. The joggle joint of the robotic arms aided easy manipulation within the confined working space. The joggle joints of the endoscopic arm were controlled through the navigation system, which was very helpful in securing superior visualization of the surgical site, especially in the area of the larynx and the hypopharynx. Conclusion The study confirmed that the DaVinci SP system provided technical advantages above the Si and Xi systems for performing TORS. It was especially helpful in ensuring proper visualization of the surgical field and in performing precise surgery during surgery to the tongue base or the hypopharyngeal lesion.