Robotic Surgery with da Vinci |
Transoral Robotic Surgery – Advanced Treatment for Head and Neck Cancers
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an innovative, minimally invasive approach for the treatment of benign and some malignant tumors of the oral cavity, tongue, throat, and larynx. Recently FDAapproved, the procedure is performed through the mouth with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. The da Vinci system provides magnified, high-resolution 3-D imaging of the operative site, allowing the surgeon to guide miniaturized instruments for cautery, ultrasonic vibration, or laser removal of lesions with precision accuracy in the narrow spaces inside the head and neck.
Benefits to Patients
TORS offers the potential for significantly better outcomes for patients. The incisionless approach eliminates visible disfigurement and scarring and preserves facial and neck tissue and muscle, reducing possible nerve and tissue damage associated with open approaches that can adversely affect the patient's ability to swallow, taste, breathe, speak, smell, and hear. Most patients are able to speak and swallow two to three weeks post-op compared to months after conventional surgery. Other benefits of the minimally invasive surgery include reduced blood loss, reduced risk of infection or complication, shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery period. Additionally, initial treatment with TORS may allow minimization of post-op chemo and radiation therapies.
Candidates for the TORS Approach
Recommended candidates are adult patients diagnosed with benign and select malignant cancers (T1 and T2) of the mouth, tonsil, tongue, throat, and voice box. Though the procedure is minimally invasive, patients often experience swelling of the airway and require ICU monitoring the first 24 to 48 hours post-op. Patients generally require radiation and/or chemotherapy; however, doses may be significantly reduced, improving the patient's functional outcome.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care at Methodist
To determine if TORS is the appropriate treatment for your oral cancer patients, evaluations are made by the surgeon in collaboration with a multidisciplinary TORS team, including cancer care specialists at Texas Oncology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Our comprehensive team approach assures compassionate, quality care, from diagnosis to surgery and recovery, including the delivery of multimodality therapies and rehabilitation for the best possible patient outcomes.
Methodist offers the unique advantage of a dedicated TORS team
RAJIV PANDIT, MD (above right), board certified in head and neck surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology, is one of a select few surgeons in the Dallas–Fort Worth area certified to perform TORS using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Dr. Pandit is an independently practicing otolaryngologist on the medical staff of Methodist Health System. His assistant, PAM MATIJEVICH, PA-C, also has specialized training in the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System technologies.
One of the First in Dallas to Perform New TORS Procedure
Methodist Health System is among the first hospital systems in Dallas offering TORS performed using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System's advanced technologies. Methodist Dallas Medical Center is one of the leading teaching and referral hospitals in North Texas. Our multidisciplinary team approach to compassionate medicine delivers quality care and the latest sophisticated technologies for your patients diagnosed with oral cancers.
Additional information is available at:
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NOTE: This information is not intended to substitute for a consultation with your physician. It is offered to educate the patient and his or her family on the basis of otolaryngology conditions in order to get the most out of their office visits and consultations. Please see our disclaimer for additional information
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