title: [Advances in transoral robotic surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the treatment of head and neck tumors has expanded in the last decade.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We present the development and current advances in TORS along with the current indications and contraindications, and describe future developments.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present our own studies and review those in the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Since approval of the da Vinci® system, the number of TORS cases has increased significantly. The main indications are tumors of the oropharynx and supraglottis. Most published studies are retrospective case series with no control group. In addition to the further development of the da Vinci® system, the introduction of the Flex®-system is a significant progression. The costs of using robotic systems are high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Technical improvement of robotic systems and the development of new surgical techniques will further expand the indications for TORS. The value of TORS needs to be assessed in prospective controlled studies.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland. stefan.mattheis@uk-essen.de.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mattheis
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kansy
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haßkamp
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Holtmann
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D009055:Mouth / Q000601:surgery; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*
keywords: Head and neck cancer; Microsurgery; Oropharynx; Robotics; Surgical endoscopy