From Demolition to
Conservation:
Robotic surgery of
head and neck
Tsung-Lin Yang MD. PhD.
Department of Otolaryngology,
National Taiwan University Hospital
and National Taiwan University College of
Medicine,
Taipei, Taiwan
Abstract
Surgery has remained as the mainstream of
treating a variety of head and neck diseases. Conventional open surgery results
in obvious scars on the head and neck. A conspicuous cervical scar is not
acceptable and may have ominous impact on personal identification and dignity.
Aesthetic outcome is as important as the complete removal of tumors. Many
techniques have been developed to improve the aesthetic outcome of head and neck
surgery. Compared with open and endoscopic methods, robotic surgery provides
more appealing surgical approaches and techniques for esthetic concern. The
feasibility and efficacy of performing robotic surgery had been confirmed in a
variety of head and neck diseases. In addition to complete disease control, the
esthetic outcome was maintained by concealing the wounds without leaving obvious
scars over the head and neck. The results showed that robotic surgery is a
feasible surgical technique for head and neck surgery, serving as a useful alternative
to conventional techniques with potential safety and esthetic merits
