En bloc resection of epiglottic tumors with transoral robotic approach - preliminary results

Objective This study aimed to identify whether it would be possible to excise epiglottic laryngeal tumors en bloc with a transoral robotic approach (TORS), ensuring that basic principles of oncologic surgery are followed. Methods TORS was performed on three patients at Umraniye Education and Research Hospital. All patients had T1 epiglottic tumors. Unilateral neck dissections were performed for node‐positive patients (n = 2). Postoperative radiotherapy was administered to these two patients. Results None of the patients had positive surgical margins. The follow‐up period on average was 14 months, no recurrences were observed in this follow‐up period. Normal food intake was possible in all cases. Tracheostomy was not performed on any patient. No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusion These preliminary results indicate that application of the da Vinci robotic surgical system for en bloc resection of supraglottic partial cancers is technically feasible and safe, with satisfactory oncological outcome and postoperative laryngeal function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.