Carlton J. Zdanski

University of North Carolina Hospitals, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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About

Carlton J. Zdanski is a pediatric otolaryngologist whose work has significantly advanced the application of minimally invasive robotic surgical techniques in children with complex airway disorders. His research focuses primarily on transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the pediatric population, an area where he has emerged as a pioneering voice, addressing some of the most challenging anatomical and technical hurdles unique to young patients. Zdanski's most influential contribution is his 2016 case series on pediatric TORS for upper airway pathology, which garnered 31 citations and remains one of the largest published series of its kind, demonstrating the feasibility and breadth of robotic approaches across diverse ages and indications. His continued output, including a 2024 institutional update and a focused study comparing robotic versus traditional laryngeal cleft repair, reflects a sustained commitment to refining outcomes in this subspecialty. By systematically documenting surgical and swallowing outcomes in conditions such as laryngeal clefts, Zdanski has helped establish evidence-based frameworks for robotic pediatric airway surgery. His work at a tertiary academic referral center positions him as an important figure for trainees and clinicians seeking to understand the evolving role of robotics in pediatric otolaryngology.