Transoral robotic surgery in a modified Trendelenburg position for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with severe thoracic kyphosis.

Abstract

Excessive flexion of the neck and upper back from severe kyphosis of the thoracic spine may limit treatment options for head and neck cancer (HNC). We describe an innovative approach to transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in a patient with severe thoracic kyphosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) who was unsuitable for definitive radiotherapy. Detailed discussion of management pathway, perioperative considerations, and surgical challenges is presented. TORS lateral oropharyngectomy was successfully performed with the robotic system docked from the caudal end in a modified Trendelenburg position. With appropriate surgical and anesthetic planning, TORS for patients with severe thoracic kyphosis is a feasible and suitable treatment.