title: Transoral surgery for oropharyngeal tumors using the Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System - a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transoral resection of pharyngeal tumors with acceptable oncological and functional results can be challenging due to their location in a narrow anatomic space.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case report, we demonstrate successful visualization and resection of a squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx using the novel Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System. The Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System (Medrobotics Corp., Raynham, MA, USA) is an operator controlled flexible endoscope system that includes a rigid endoscope and computer-assisted controllers, with two external channels for the use of compatible, 3.5mm flexible instruments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a 74-year old female patient a T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx was visualized and completely resected using this system. The Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System is a promising device for transoral approaches in resection of tumors within the pharynx.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Good visualization, access, and flexibility of the endoscope and instruments are hereby clear advantages of the system compared to commonly used systems.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: magis.mandapathil@staff.uni-marburg.de.
authors: Magis
authors: M
authors: Mandapathil
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: Umamaheswar
authors: U
authors: Duvvuri
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Marburg, Germany.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Güldner
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Marburg, Germany.
authors: Afshin
authors: A
authors: Teymoortash
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Université Catholique de Louvain CHU Dinant Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium.
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Lawson
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Marburg, Germany.
authors: Jochen A
authors: JA
authors: Werner
keywords: Head and neck cancer; Oropharyngeal tumor; Robotic surgery; Transoral surgery