Richard H. Wiggins

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About

Richard H. Wiggins is a pioneering surgeon whose work has redefined the boundaries of minimally invasive head and neck surgery. His primary research focuses on developing novel robotic approaches to complex anatomical regions, particularly the infratemporal fossa—a notoriously difficult area to access without significant morbidity. Wiggins’s most influential contribution is the introduction of the suprahyoid port, a midline approach that allows robotic instruments to reach deep skull base structures while avoiding external incisions and nerve damage. His landmark 2010 cadaveric study, cited 53 times, demonstrated the feasibility of this technique, laying the groundwork for clinical applications that reduce recovery time and surgical risk. Beyond this, Wiggins has been instrumental in advancing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and integrating image-guided navigation into robotic workflows. His work has been recognized with multiple innovation awards, and he is a sought-after lecturer on robotic surgical anatomy. By merging engineering precision with surgical artistry, Wiggins has opened new doors for treating tumors and vascular lesions in the head and neck, directly impacting patient outcomes and inspiring a generation of surgeons to push the limits of what is possible through a single, small port.