title: Robotic-assisted neck dissection through a pre- and post-auricular hairline incision: preclinical study.
abstract: The introduction of robotics in head and neck surgery has facilitated access to the contents of the neck region using less cosmetically obtrusive incisions. Robotic systems offer a three-dimensional viewing, tremor filtration, and articulating distal arms that mimic natural hand and wrist movements. We hypothesized that these characteristics would allow for the performance of a robotic-assisted selective and comprehensive neck dissection via combined pre- and post-auricular incisions. We were able to demonstrate adequate access in a cadaver, using a combination of conventional, endoscopic, and robotic surgical manipulation. Thus preclinical cadaver studies support the ability to perform robotic-assisted neck dissection via combined pre- and post-auricular incisions.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Otolaryngology and General Surgery, Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Surgery at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA. rblanco@gbmc.org
authors.forename: Ray Gervacio F
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: Patrick K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Califano
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fakry
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richmon
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D054644:Ear Auricle; D005145:Face / Q000098:blood supply; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics