Xiaojun Shao

Grant Medical Center, Hainan General Hospital

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Xiaojun Shao is a pioneering surgeon whose work centers on minimally invasive head and neck surgery, with a particular focus on robotic-assisted techniques. His major contribution lies in advancing trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for submandibular gland removal, a procedure that traditionally required an external neck incision. Shao’s landmark 2018 paper, “Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery of Submandibular Gland Removal With Preservation of Sublingual Gland and Wharton's Duct,” describes a novel approach that eliminates visible scarring while preserving critical anatomy—the sublingual gland and Wharton’s duct—thereby reducing complications like ranula formation. This work, cited 11 times, addresses both the cosmetic and functional shortcomings of prior trans-oral methods. In a subsequent 2019 study, Shao further validated the technique in two patients, reporting no injuries to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, no ranula, and no postoperative hemorrhage. By demonstrating that TORS can achieve safe, scar-free gland removal, Shao has provided a compelling alternative to conventional surgery, directly improving patient outcomes and quality of life. His research is essential reading for surgeons seeking to integrate robotics into head and neck practice.