Published in:
01-03-2012 | Head and Neck Oncology
Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Neck Dissections via a Transaxillary and Retroauricular (“TARA”) Approach in Head and Neck Cancer: Preliminary Results
Authors:
Won Shik Kim, MD, Hyoung Shin Lee, MD, Sung Mi Kang, MD, Hyun Jun Hong, MD, Yoon Woo Koh, MD, PhD, Hye Yeon Lee, MD, PhD, Hong-Shik Choi, MD, PhD, Eun Chang Choi, MD, PhD
Published in:
Annals of Surgical Oncology
|
Issue 3/2012
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Abstract
Background
Recently, robot-assisted neck dissection in thyroid cancer patients with lateral neck node metastasis has been demonstrated to be feasible. We realized the necessity of technical modification in order to apply robotic system to comprehensive neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study examined the feasibility and safety of transaxillary and retroauricular (“TARA”) approach for robotic neck dissection in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer.
Methods
Four human cadaveric dissections were followed by robotic neck dissections in seven patients with oral cavity or laryngopharyngeal cancer through TARA incision.
Results
In all cases, vital structures including major vessels and nerves were preserved. The numbers of retrieved lymph nodes in robotic neck dissections were comparable with those in conventional neck dissections.
Conclusions
Robotic neck dissection via TARA approach is a feasible and useful method with excellent cosmetic results for treating nodal metastasis in selected cases of head and neck squamous cell cancer.