Transoral Robotic Surgery for Atypical Carcinoid Tumor of the Larynx

Abstract

In recent years, transoral robotic surgery has been introduced as an efficient and a reliable method for excision of selected oral cavity, tongue base, and supraglottic tumors in otolaryngology. In this case report, a 39-year-old woman with a history of hoarseness and dysphagia for approximately 6 months is presented. The patient was diagnosed with atypical carcinoid tumor on the laryngeal aspect of the epiglottis, and excision of the tumor was performed through transoral robotic surgery using the robotic da Vinci surgical system, a 0-degree three-dimensional endoscope, 5-mm microinstruments compatible with the da Vinci robot, and a Feyh-Kastenbauer/Weinstein-O'Malley retractor. The mass was removed completely, and no complications occurred. The patient recovered without a need for tracheotomy. Findings of the 1-year clinical follow-up revealed no locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis. This case shows, once again, that transoral robotic surgery could be used safely and effectively regardless of pathologic diagnosis in the supraglottic region tumors.