Robot-assisted free flap reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer--a preliminary report.

Abstract

The robotic surgical system provides a clear, magnified, 3-dimensional (3D) view as well as a precise and stable instrumental movement, which minimizes many technical difficulties that may be encountered in the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal tumors. A preliminary result of transoral robot-assisted free flap reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer is presented herein. Between May and December 2013, the Da Vinci Surgical System (Da Vinci Si, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) was used in 5 (4 men and 1 woman) cases of oropharyngeal reconstruction. Robot-assisted reconstruction was performed for inset of the flap and for performing a venous anastomosis of the free radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap. All of the reconstructive surgeries were successful without flap failure or take-backs. There were no wound infections or fistulas. The application of a robotic surgical system seems to be a safe option in the free flap reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects without lip or mandible splitting.