title: First use of a computer-assisted operator-controlled flexible endoscope for transoral surgery.
abstract: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become an accepted treatment option for head and neck cancer. However, anatomical limitations and a relevant financial burden require alternative developments in this field. To this end, a patient presenting with a T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lateral oropharyngeal wall was effectively treated with a new Conformité Européene-certified, computer-assisted, operator-controlled flexible endoscope (Flex). Intraoperative visualization and tissue handling were acceptable and safe. Transoral surgery with the flexible endoscope was safely conducted in a clinical setting. The introduction of alternative TORS systems will increase competition, drive scientific improvement, and reduce financial expenses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Schuler
authors.forename: Uma
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Duvvuri
authors.forename: Daniel T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rotter
authors.forename: Marc O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Scheithauer
authors.forename: Thomas K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: TORS; endoscope; head and neck cancer; oropharynx; surgery