title: Robotic-assisted selective and modified radical neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recently, several authors introduced various methods and published feasibility studies on novel robotic-assisted neck dissection techniques for head and neck cancer patients. Cosmesis and general appearance have become important concerns of cancer patients today. Especially in the head and neck area, a conspicuous scar can reduce patient satisfaction after surgery. With conventional neck dissection techniques, a long scar in the neck is unavoidable. Therefore, the development of robotic assisted neck dissection provides the patients with a scarless neck in these situations. However, there are some limitations of the application of these techniques in their current stage of development.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was performed using a systematic literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reviewed clinical studies show that robotic-assisted neck dissection yields similar functional and early oncologic outcomes to that of conventional neck dissection, as well as excellent cosmetic satisfaction of patients. Despite these benefits, some disadvantages can be observed, in terms of longer operation times as well as higher procedure costs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Besides the similar oncologic and functional outcomes compared with the open procedure so far, more prospective, controlled, multicenter studies are required to establish robotic-assisted neck dissection as an alternative standard and to justify its added costs beyond the cosmetic advantages.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: n.moeckelmann@uke.de.
authors.forename: Nikolaus
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Möckelmann
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: b.loerincz@uke.de.
authors.forename: Balazs B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Lörincz
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: r.knecht@uke.de.
authors.forename: Rainald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Knecht
mesh_terms: D004954:Esthetics; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D061646:Operative Time; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods
keywords: Head and neck cancer; Head and neck surgery; Neck dissection; Nodal yield; Robotic surgery