Transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy: Surgical considerations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a novel, safe, and feasible procedure for the resection of supraglottic laryngeal cancers. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the surgical technique for TORS supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL). METHODS: A patient with a T2N0M0 laryngeal cancer limited to the supraglottic larynx was selected for TORS. RESULTS: En bloc tumor resection was accomplished with negative surgical margins together with bilateral selective neck dissection. There was no perioperative or early postoperative complication. The patient was extubated immediately after surgery. Oral supraglottic diet was initiated within the first 24 hours. No gastrostomy or tracheostomy tube placement was required. A video demonstration of the surgical technique is included on Head & Neck's website. CONCLUSION: TORS SGL is a safe and feasible procedure for the resection of selected supraglottic tumors.