title: A shifting paradigm for patients with head and neck cancer: transoral robotic surgery (TORS).
abstract: The evolution of surgical oncologic technology has moved toward reducing patient morbidity without compromising oncologic resection. In head and neck surgery, organ-preserving techniques have paved the way for the development of transoral techniques that remove tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract without external incisions and potentially spare the patient adjuvant treatment. The introduction of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) improves upon current transoral techniques to the oropharynx and supraglottis. This review will report on the evolution of robotic-assisted surgery: We will cover its applications in head and neck surgery by examining early oncologic and functional outcomes, training of surgeons, costs, and future directions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, USA.
authors.forename: Mihir K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Bhayani
authors.forename: F Christopher
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Holsinger
authors.forename: Stephen Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome