Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery, or TORS, uses a robot to provide access to areas in the back of the throat and tongue. The various surgical applications for Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery include tumors of the base of tongue, hypopharynx and select laryngeal tumors. A new and promising use of Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery is for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. In these cases, Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery is used to reduce the size of the tongue and the back of the throat to improve airflow and breathing. Compared with traditional open surgical options, Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery provides improved visualization and access to such difficult-to- access areas. This often translates into less pain and swelling after the surgery.

The da Vinci® surgical robotic system allows several advantages over the traditional surgical approaches:

• The advantage of 3D high-definition visualization of the anatomic structures, and the precision and dexterity afforded by robotic instrumentation.
• Performance of endoscopic procedures that otherwise would be performed through an open approach, therefore minimizing morbidity and improving functional outcome as compared to an open approach.
• Potentially avoids larger incisions or disfiguring open approaches, resulting in scarring, longer hospitalization, or postoperative pain.
• Maximum preservation of function and enhanced definition of safe margin for complete tumor removal
• Quicker return to normal speech and swallowing

Dr. Naseri is one of few surgeons in Florida who is trained and certified to use the da Vinci® Robotic system in offering Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery. He is available for consultation to see if robotic surgery is right for you.

Reference:

1. O’Malley BW, Weinstein GS, Snyder W, Hockstein NG. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for base of tongue neoplasms. Laryngoscope. 2006 Aug;116(8):1465-72
2. Weinstein GS, O'Malley BW Jr, Snyder W, Sherman E, Quon H. Transoral robotic surgery: radical tonsillectomy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Dec;133(12):1220-6.
3. The da Vinci® Transoral Surgery Procedure Guide PN 871671 Rev. A 8/08