Transoral robotic surgery advantages and disadvantages: a narrative review

Abstract

Robots were used for the first time in surgery back in 1997. Since then abdominal surgeries ensued with robotic surgery ‘infiltrating’ urology, gynaecology, and thoracic surgery fields as well. Lately, robotic surgery methodologies found application in head and neck surgeries leading to the development of the transoral robotic surgery (TORS). So far TORS has improved work of surgeons dealing with the oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx, thyroid, parapharyngeal space and skull areas of the human body. However, with the introduction of such a new efficacious modality, new questions emerge regarding its integration. The purpose of this review is to provide a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of TORS according to methodologies that have already been applied, along with their economic aspects, surgery processes, benefits compared to conventional surgery techniques, clinical results and any research gaps. Results indicate that TORS technical advantages denote its quality and importance in the field of robotic surgery.