Feasibility of transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy

Background We aimed to describe our experience with transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent transoral robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy at our institution between May 2007 and November 2008. Results During the study period, 7 patients with malignancy underwent the procedure (4 men, 3 women; average age, 61 years). All tumors were completely resected, with clear margins on pathologic analysis. Six patients underwent neck dissection at the time of transoral surgery. One intraoperative complication occurred: thermal injury to the anterior cervical skin. Four patients underwent primary tracheotomy tube placement, 3 of whom were decannulated without difficulty. Two patients required long-term gastrostomy tubes while receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusions Supraglottic malignancies can be successfully resected transorally with robotic assistance. The potential benefits of this method are improved access and visualization. Further long-term follow-up is needed to compare oncologic and functional outcomes with those of current approaches.