Yi‐Nuan Zhang

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About

Yi-Nuan Zhang is a leading surgical oncologist specializing in minimally invasive head and neck cancer surgery, with a particular focus on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) management. Her groundbreaking work addresses the critical challenge of retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) recurrence in NPC patients, a condition traditionally treated with reirradiation that carries severe radiotoxicity risks. Zhang pioneered transoral robotic retropharyngeal lymph node dissection, a revolutionary approach that transforms salvage surgery for this anatomically complex region. Her landmark 2020 paper on this technique, cited 18 times, demonstrates how robotic assistance enables safe access to the retropharyngeal space while avoiding the morbidity of open surgical approaches. This work represents a paradigm shift in treating RPLN recurrence, offering patients a less toxic alternative to reirradiation. Zhang’s contributions are particularly significant given the high incidence of NPC in endemic regions, where her techniques have expanded surgical options for recurrent disease. Her research continues to advance the frontier of transoral robotic surgery, establishing new standards for managing complex head and neck malignancies while improving patient outcomes and quality of life.