title: Robot-assisted selective neck dissection of levels II to V via a modified facelift or retroauricular approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed robot-assisted selective neck dissection via a modified facelift or retroauricular approach without creating an apparent scar around the neck to remove neck node of levels II to V after transoral robotic surgery of a primary lesion in patients with laryngopharyngeal carcinoma. Patient data were prospectively analyzed to verify the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted neck dissection in the treatment of cN0 laryngopharyngeal carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  University tertiary care facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between March 2011 and March 2012, 7 patients were enrolled in the study. Before study initiation, the Institutional Review Board of Yonsei University approved the protocol, and informed consent was obtained from all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Robot-assisted neck dissection was successfully performed in all patients. Five patients underwent selective neck dissection including levels II to IV, and 2 patients underwent selective neck dissection including levels II to V. The average number of lymph nodes retrieved was 25.1. Occult nodal metastasis was found in 1 (14%) neck specimen. During the follow-up period (mean of 13.5 months), all patients were alive without locoregional recurrence. All patients were extremely satisfied with their cosmetic results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robot-assisted selective neck dissection is a feasible and safe technique to manage the neck in cN0 laryngopharyngeal carcinoma patients. It may be especially helpful for patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery since no apparent scar around the neck remains. Long-term results with respect to oncologic safety and functional outcomes are required to establish the validity of robot-assisted neck dissection.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Young Min
authors: YM
authors: Park
authors: F Christopher
authors: FC
authors: Holsinger
authors: Won Shik
authors: WS
authors: Kim
authors: Sang Chul
authors: SC
authors: Park
authors: Eun Jung
authors: EJ
authors: Lee
authors: Eun Chang
authors: EC
authors: Choi
authors: Yoon Woo
authors: YW
authors: Koh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics; D016896:Treatment Outcome