Surgeries carried out in the neck, and the throat with robotic technology enables the surgeon to reach the places difficult to access. Consult Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an Oncologist in Bangalore, for advice.
What is Trans Oral Robotic Surgery?
There are times when the surgeon finds it hard to carry out surgeries in restricted areas using a laparoscope since there is no flexibility of motion.
The neck and throat are typically such areas where the space is restricted.
⦁ Larynx (Voice Box) cancer
⦁ Hypopharyngeal cancer, is cancer that affects the lower region of the throat.
⦁ Oropharyngeal cancer affects the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, or the tonsil.
Other than these, TORS is used to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea and lingual tonsilitis.
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Coming back to the subject of TORS:
The robotic technology uses:
Endoscopes which carry tiny instruments that latch onto the tip of the robotic arm.
A high-definition camera is also attached to the tip of the robotic arm to facilitate enhanced detailed images of the tissues.
Computer console where the surgeon sits and carries out surgeries using control.
–The use of the technology to its optimum benefit solely depends on the surgeon's skill, expertise, and experience.
It needs months of training before the surgeon is awarded a fellowship in the field of robotic surgeries.
Traditional surgery versus TORS:
Before TORS, surgery of cancer in the throat area was complicated.
The surgeon would require to cut through the jaw to get access to the tongue or tonsil base. This procedure is called mandibulotomy. After that, the surgeons could access the cancers at the back of the throat.
Once the surgeon removes cancer, the enormous task is the reconstruction of the jaw.
It could lead to permanent damage, and the patient would lose the ability to talk properly, eat and swallow after the recovery.
Contrary to the above, when the surgeon uses TORS to treat a patient,
The patient is put under anesthesia. The surgeon then slides the camera and the instruments through the mouth.
Then the surgeon removes the tissues through a small incision and closes the gap after it is removed.
Advantages of TORS:
A minimally invasive procedure reduces surgery time, blood loss, hospital stay, and recovery time. Tors has added to this list of advantages by awarding greater precision, thanks to the 360-degree movement of the robotic arms in small places.
It allows the surgeon to view the area in 3d due to the enhanced camera and the ability of the instruments to access difficult places.
Using this procedure, the doctor decreases the likelihood of tracheostomy, a breathing tube inserted to assist breathing.
Reduced risk of speaking and swallowing issues.
Reduced pain during recovery
Lesser, fainter scars.
Disadvantages of TORS:
Transoral robotic surgery is approved only for selected conditions, provided that the patient is meeting the criteria.
You may not be able to get the advantage of TORS if the cancer is widespread, causing an airway blockage. Also, if your mouth is small, its access is difficult.
What are the risks associated with TORS?
The risk factors associated with TORS include the following:
Hemorrhage
Aspiration, fluid entering the lungs
Compromised respiratory function, where the lungs cannot intake air up to full capacity.
Dysphagia, swallowing difficulty
A tracheostomy for breathing problems may be required.
Are any other procedures required after completion of TORS?
Based on the diagnosis, you may require to undergo specific other procedures after TORS.
Recontructive surgery:
This treatment includes reconstruction of mouth appearance, tongue, or throat to facilitate speaking and swallowing.
Neck Dissection:
If cancer has spread to the lymph node, the surgeon will have to remove the lymph node.
WORD OF ADVICE FROM DOCTOR SANDEEP NAYAK:
OF COURSE, WITH THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINES, CANCERS ARE CURABLE, BUT IT IS BETTER TO PREVENT CANCER AND TAKE SCREENING TESTS FOR EARLY DETECTION.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
