Comparative study on the efficacy of transoral robotic surgery and non-robotic surgery for tongue base tumors

Objective:To compare the efficacy of transoral robotic surgery(TORS)and non-robotic surgery(NRS)in the treatment of tongue base tumors.Methods:A total of 45 patients with tongue base tumors treated in our hospital were selected,and they were divided into the TORS group and NRS group according to different surgical methods.The surgical indicators and postoperative complications of patients in the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results:Compared with the NRS group,the operative time,bleeding volume and length of hospital stay were less in the TORS group,and the postoperative recurrence rate was less in the TORS group than that in the NRS group.The incidence rate of dysphagia and restricted mouth opening in the TORS group was lower than that in the NRS group within 30 d after surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:TORS has better minimally invasive advantages in the treatment of tongue base tumors,including less intraoperative bleeding,smaller trauma,shorter length of hospital stay and faster recovery.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Techniques and outcomes

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a verycommon disorder that results primarily from the loss of an effective antireflux barrier,which forms a mechanical obstacle to the retrograde movement of gastric content.GERD can be currently treated by medical therapy,surgical or endoscopic transoral intervention.Medical therapy is the most common approach,though concerns have been increasingly raised in recent years about the potential side effects of continuous longterm medication,drug intolerance or unresponsiveness,and the need for high dosages for long periods to treat symptoms or prevent recurrences.Surgery too may in some cases have consequences such as longlasting dysphagia,flatulence,inability to belch or vomit,diarrhea,or functional dyspepsia related to delayed gastric emptying.In the last few years,transoral incisionless fundoplication(TIF)has proved an effective and promising therapeutic option as an alternative to medical and surgical therapy.This review describes the steps of the TIF technique,using the Esophy X&#174;device and the MUSETM system.Complications and their management are described in detail,and the recent literature regarding the outcomes is reviewed.TIF reconfigures the tissue to obtain a full-thickness gastroesophageal valve from inside the stomach,by serosato-serosa plications which include the muscle layers.To date the procedure has achieved lasting improvement of GERD symptoms(up to six years),cessation or reduction of proton pump inhibitor medication in about 75%of patients,and improvement of functional findings,measured by either p H or impedance monitoring.

Robotic transoral vestibular parathyroidectomy:Two case reports and review of literature

Advances in preoperative localization studies and de-mands for scarless surgery have promoted the inves-tigation for remote techniques in parathyroid surgery. Transoral vestibular approach seems to provide the most comfortable and safest access to the neck. In this paper, we report our initial experience with robotic transoral ves-tibular parathyroidectomy(RTVP) in four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgery was perfor-med with the Da Vinci system through three trocars intro-duced from the lower lip vestibule. The procedure was converted to open in two patients due to inappropriate preoperative localization. The mean operative time was 169 min. No postoperative complications were seen. Patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. RTVP is a feasible and safe technique, which allows better surgical exposure and manipulation of the instruments. The advantages of transoral vestibular approach can be enhanced by robotics. Further studies are needed to analyze complications and costs.

The Anatomic Study on Replacement of Artificial Atlanto-odontoid Joint through Transoral Approach

In order to provide anatomical basis for transoral approach （TOA） in dealing with the ventro lesions of craniocervical junction, and the design and application of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint, microsurgical dissecting was performed on 8 fresh craniocervical specimens layer by layer through transoropharyngeal approach. The stratification of posterior pharyngeal wall, course of vertebral artery, adjacent relationship of atlas and axis and correlative anatomical parameters of replacement of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint were observed. Besides, 32 sets of atlanto-axial joint in adults＇ fresh bony specimens were measured with a digital caliper and a goniometer, including the width of bony window of anterior arch of atlas, the .width of bony window of axis vertebra, the distance between superior and inferior two atlas screw inserting points, the distance between two axis screw inserting points etc. It was found that the width of atlas and axis which could be exposed were 40.2±3.5 mm and 39.3±3.7 mm respectively. The width and height of posterior pharyngeal wall which could be exposed were 40.1±5.2 mm and 50.2±4.6 mm respectively. The distance between superior and inferior two atlas screw inserting points was 28.0±2.9 mm and 24.0±3.5 mm respectively, and the distance of bilateral axis screw inserting points was 18.0±1.2 mm. The operative exposure position through TOA ranged from inferior part of the clivus to the superior part of the C3 vertebral body. Posterior pharyngeal wall consisted of 5 layers and two interspaces： mucosa, submucosa, superficial muscular layer, anterior fascia of vertebrae, anterior muscular layer of vertebrae and posterior interspace of pharynx, anterior interspace of vertebrae. This study revealed that it had the advantages of short operative distance, good exposure and sufficient decompression in dealing with the ventro lesions from the upper cervical to the lower clivus through the TOA. The replacement of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint is suitable and feasible. The design of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint should be based on the above data.

Asymptomatic carbon dioxide embolism during transoral vestibular thyroidectomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic thyroidectomy has obvious advantages over conventional surgical techniques in terms of postoperative cosmetic outcome.Although the incidence of carbon dioxide embolism(CDE)during endoscopic thyroidectomy is very low,it is potentially fatal.The clinical manifestations of CDE vary,and more attention should be paid to this disorder.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old man was scheduled for thyroidectomy by the transoral vestibular approach.The patient had no other diseases or surgical history.During the operation,he developed a CDE following inadvertent injury of the anterior jugular vein.The clinical manifestation in this patient was a transient sharp rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide,and his remaining vital signs were stable.In addition,loud coarse systolic and diastolic murmurs were heard over the precordium.The patient was discharged on day 4 after surgery without complications.CONCLUSION A transient sharp rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide is considered a helpful early sign of CDE during endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Transoral outlet reduction:Outcomes of endoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass revision in 284 patients at a community practice

BACKGROUND Transoral outlet reduction(TORe)is a minimally invasive endoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB)for weight recurrence;however,little has been published on its clinical implementation in the community setting.AIM To characterize the safety and efficacy of TORe in the community setting for adults with weight recurrence after RYGB.METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of argon plasma coagulation and purse-string suturing for gastric outlet reduction in consecutive adults with weight recurrence after RYGB at a single community center from September 2020 to September 2022.Patients were provided longitudinal nutritional support via virtual visits.The primary outcome was total body weight loss(TBWL)at twelve months from TORe.Secondary outcomes included TBWL at three months and six months;excess weight loss(EWL)at three,six,and twelve months;twelve-month TBWL by obesity class;predictors of twelve-month TBWL;rates of post-TORe stenosis;and serious adverse events(SAE).Outcomes were reported with descriptive statistics.RESULTS Two hundred eighty-four adults(91.9%female,age 51.3 years,body mass index 39.3 kg/m^(2))underwent TORe an average of 13.3 years after RYGB.Median pre-and post-TORe outlet diameter was 35 mm and 8 mm,respectively.TBWL was 11.7%±4.6%at three months,14.3%±6.3%at six months,and 17.3%±7.9%at twelve months.EWL was 38.4%±28.2%at three months,46.5%±35.4%at six months,and 53.5%±39.2%at twelve months.The number of follow-up visits attended was the strongest predictor of TBWL at twelve months(R^(2)=0.0139,P=0.0005).Outlet stenosis occurred in 11 patients(3.9%)and was successfully managed with endoscopic dilation.There was one instance of post-procedural nausea requiring overnight observation(SAE rate 0.4%).CONCLUSION When performed by an experienced endoscopist and combined with longitudinal nutritional support,purse-string TORe is safe and effective in the community setting for adults with weight recurrence after RYGB.

Revision of failed transoral incisionless fundoplication by subsequent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication after failed transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF).

Transoral surgery for morbid obesity

Obesity is a serious health problem in the United States.Although laparoscopic surgical procedures are effective in achieving weight loss and improving obesity-related co-morbidities,they are not without their limitations and consequently there is a growing demand for less invasive approaches.Transoral techniques,as both primary and revisional procedures,are promising in this regard as they may provide a safer and more cost-effective means of achieving meaningful weight loss.The aim of this paper is to review the currently available transoral approaches to weight loss,with a particular focus on those applied in human trials.

Spondylodiscitis, epidural abscess, and meningitis after transoral robotic surgical resection of a squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

Transoral robotic surgery(TORS)is a minimally invasive technique for resection of tumors of the posterior pharyngeal wall.Rarely,post-TORS cervical spondylodiscitis has been reported in the literature,with high morbidity and mortality.A 64-year-old female with underlying cervical disk disease underwent TORS resection of a posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma without reconstruction in April 2020.Roughly one month post-operatively,the patient presented with clinical and radiographic signs of spondylodiscitis,epidural abscess,and meningitis.The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.The patient recovered without neurologic deficit.A three-month post-treatment PET-CT scan showed no evidence of residual disease.Post-operative cervical spondylodiscitis and meningitis are rare complications of TORS resection for posterior pharyngeal wall carcinomas,but the risk is increased in patients with underlying cervical disk disease.In such patients,perioperative antibiotic treatment and/or reconstruction should be considered to prevent neurologic complications and death.

Transoral robotic surgery for adult parapharyngeal lymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Lymphangiomas are a group of benign swellings which are commonly seen in children.The most common sites of presentation is the head and neck region,less commonly seen in axilla,chest,liver,spleen,etc.The ideal modality of treatment has always been surgical excision irrespective of the site and age group.But with the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques,it is now possible to perform excision of parapharyngeal space lesions with minimal morbidity and good clearance.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male patient who presented with difficulty in swallowing and had undergone surgery twice outside,where Transcervical approach was attempted to remove the parapharyngeal mass,but failed.Magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a 6 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm left parapharyngeal mass.He underwent transoral robotic surgery for the excision of the parapharyngeal lesion and had an uneventful post-operative recovery.CONCLUSION Lymphangiomas are hamartomatous swellings which are benign in nature.The symptoms of the patient with large parapharyngeal mass include dysphagia,dyspnoea and neck swelling.Clinicoradiological evaluation is of utmost importance to determine the adjacent vital structures and the approach to the tumor.With the advent of robotics in oncology,transoral robotic excision is one of the best approaches to perform such a surgery.

Transoral endoscopic excision of a giant parapharyngeal space tumour:A case report

Most of the parapharyngeal space tumours are benign.The primary treatment is complete resection of the tumour.Due to its location in the deep neck space,a pre-styloid tumour can be resected via the transoral approach.However,the surgical field is limited by the small oral cavity.With the use of rigid endoscopes,removing benign tumours through transoral approach in the parapharyngeal space is possible as they provide a broad and enlarged view of the confined space.Here,we report a case of a 64-year-old male with a giant pre-styloid parapharyngeal space tumour,who successfully underwent transoral endoscopic excision.Postoperatively,the patient had short hospital stay of total 3 days.His chewing and swallowing were not affected,and he resumed oral feeding prior to discharge.

Application of transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate Ⅲ in treatment of complicated atlantoaxial dislocation

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical characteristies and the clinical advantage of transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) Ⅲ. Methods Design of TARP-Ⅲ was based on TARP-Ⅱ. The screw hole in the axis was moved 1～2mm upwards

The pros and cons of additional axillary arm for transoral robotic thyroidectomy

Background:Transoral vestibular approach thyroidectomy using robotic system has advantages with articulating instrumentation.Transoral robotic thyroidectomy(TORT)can be done either using just two robot arms for instruments and an extra one for the endoscopic camera,or using three robot arms for instruments(third arm through axila)and an additional arm for the camera.Pros of additional axillary arm for TORT:The 4th arm through an additional axillary port is mainly responsible for a counter-traction of strap muscles and thyroid tissue.The additional axillary port tract is also an excellent passage for the specimen removal with lower risk of disruption or fragmentation.Ultimately,these merits from the additional axillary arm allows TORT to be performed safely in a wide range of patient groups.Cons of additional axillary arm for TORT:One of the issue with the additional axillary arm in TORT is that it leaves a cutaneous scar.Another issue to consider is the cost.In some places,robotic surgery operation fee varies with the number of arms used during the operation.Retraction of strap muscles through subcutaneous stitches applied after establishing the working space may make up for the lack of counter-traction.Conclusion:TORT can be done safely with or without the transaxillary arm and surgeon may consider pros and cons based on multiple factors.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with central neck dissection：experimental studies on human cadavers

Background With the development of natural orifice trans-luminal endoscopic surgery, studies on transoral video-assistedthyroidectomy in preclinical experiments （e.g., human anatomy and animal trials） were progressing gradually. From 2009to 2011, embalmed human cadavers were dissected to define the anatomical location, surgical planes, and related neuraland vascular structures to create a safe transoral access to the front cervical spaces. Recently, experimental transoralendoscopic thvroidectomv was performed to verify the feasibility of this approach on 15 fresh specimens.

Transoral robotic surgery vs.endoscopic partial midline glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea

Objective:To compare sleep-related outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients following base of tongue resection via robotic surgery and endoscopic midline glossectomy.Methods:This was a retrospective study.A total of 114 robotic and 37 endoscopic midline glossectomy surgeries were performed between July 2010 and April 2015 as part of single or multilevel surgery.Patients were excluded for indications other than sleep apnea or if complete sleep studies were not obtained.Thus,45 robotic and 16 endoscopic surgeries were included in the analysis.Results:In the robotic surgery group there were statistically significant improvements in AHI [(44.4 ± 22.6) events/h-(14.0 ± 3.0) events/h,P ＜ 0.001] Epworth Sleepiness Scale (12.3 ± 4.6 to 4.5 ± 2.9,P ＜ 0.001),and O2 nadir (82.0％ ± 6.1％ to 85.0％ ± 5.4％,P ＜ 0.001).In the endoscopic group there were also improvements in AHI (48.7 ± 30.2 to 27.4 ± 31.9,P =0.06),Epworth Sleepiness Scale (12.6 ± 5.5 to 8.3 ± 4.5,P =0.08),and O2 nadir (80.2％ ± 8.6％ to 82.7％ ± 6.5％,P =0.4).Surgical success rate was 75.6％ and 56.3％ in the robotic and endoscopic groups,respectively.Greater volume of tissue removed was predictive of surgical success in the robotic cases (10.3 vs.8.6 ml,P =0.02).Conclusions:Both robotic surgery and endoscopic techniques for tongue base reduction improve objective measures of sleep apnea.Greater success rates may be achieved with robotic surgery compared to traditional methods.

Three-port transoral robotic thyroidectomy without axillary incision:A preliminary report of 20 cases in China

Objective:Transoral scarless thyroid surgery has proven to be a popular alternative to traditional approaches.Transoral robotic thyroidectomy(TORT)has been reported using ports on the lower lip and axilla.Avoiding axillary incision can further reduce scars on the armpit.Here,we present our preliminary data from the initial 20 consecutive patients to explore the feasibility of three-port TORT without axillary incision.Methods:From September 2017 to June 2019,we performed TORT at Beijing United Family Hospital using three intraoral ports without axillary incision via the da Vinci Si system with three robotic arms.The outcomes of the procedure were retrospectively reviewed.Results:Among 20 patients(mean age 30±7 years;mean tumor size 1.64±0.96 cm),16 patients underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy and four had total thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection.Eighteen patients had papillary thyroid carcinomas(PTC),one had a follicular thyroid carcinoma,and one had a thyroid adenoma.The mean surgical time was 221±68 min.The mean number of retrieved central lymph nodes in the PTC patients was 5.6±5.There was no permanent vocal cord palsy or hypocalcemia postoperatively.One patient had transient vocal cord palsy,which resolved within 1 week.Paresthesia of the lower lip and the chin was observed in nine patients,and one patient had a first-degree burn of the skin flap due to the lens.Conclusion:Three-port TORT without axillary incision is feasible for selected patients and would be a potential alternative for remote-access thyroid surgery to avoid leaving scars on the neck or the armpit.

Endoscopy-assisted transoral approach for parapharyngeal space tumors:Our experience and a systematic review of the literature

Background:Several approaches have been described for the excision of parapharyngeal space tumors(PPSTs).Advances in endoscopy gave a further stimulus to the use of the transoral route.Aims:We present our experience with the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach(EATA)in this regard and a review of the most recent literature about EATA for PPSTs excision.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively analyzed our experience and systematically reviewed the literature about the outcomes of this technique.Results:Seven PPSTs were completely excised,with three of them requiring a combined transcervical approach.Only one case of postoperative wound dehiscence was registered,and the mean length of stay was 3.9 days.Final histopathological examination confirmed the results obtained with preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy in all cases and no recurrences were apparent after a mean follow-up of 28.1 months.Discussion:Magnetic resonance imaging,the modified Mallampati score and the 8 Ts criteria are useful instruments for the choice of the most appropriate surgical approach.Conclusion:In light of our experience and following other published series in the literature,we believe that EATA may represent a safe and effective approach for the treatment of the majority of PPSTs.

Transoral robotic surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Principles and technique

Objective:The present study is a review of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Methods:The review presents the experience of the robotic center that developed the technique with regards to patient selection,surgical method,and post-operative care.In addition,the review provides results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of the complications and clinical outcomes of TORS when applied in the management of OSAHS.Results:The rate of success,defined as 50％ reduction of pre-operative AHI and an overall AHI ＜20 events/h,is achieved in up to 76.6％ of patients with a range between 53.8％ and 83.3％.The safety of this approach is reasonable as the main complication (bleeding) affected 4.2％ of patients (range 4.2％-5.3％).However,transient dysphagia (7.2％;range 5％-14％) does compromise the quality of life and must be discussed with patients preoperatively.Conclusions:TORS for the treatment of OSAHS appears to be a promising and safe procedure for patients seeking an alternative to traditional therapy.Appropriate patient selection remains an important consideration for successful implementation of this novel surgical approach requiring further research.

The role of surgeon-performed ultrasound in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach(TOETVA)

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach(TOETVA)is a recently described surgical technique where the thyroid and central neck can be accessed without a cutaneous incision.To date nearly 700 cases have been described within the English literature demonstrating the feasibility,safety,and efficacy of the technique.As more institutions begin to adopt the surgical approach,it is important that surgeons pay close attention to appropriate patient selection and surgical optimization to prevent experience-related complications.A valuable tool to facilitate these considerations is the utilization of surgeon-performed ultrasonography(US).While the merits of surgeon-performed US are well-documented within head&neck endocrine surgery as a whole,its value may be of even greater importance when implementing a novel surgical technique such as TOETVA.Here we highlight and summarize the role of surgeon-performed US within head&neck endocrine surgery,focusing on how it may influence patient selection and surgical planning with TOETVA.

Imaging and choosing the right patients for transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach

Advances in imaging for preoperative localization have propelled the widespread adoption of minimally invasive/focused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism.Though it is performed through a relatively small incision,studies have shown that the presence of a neck scar increases attentional bias towards the neck resulting in compromised quality of life.Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach(TOEPVA)eliminates a neck scar.While indications for TOEPVA are the same as that of minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy,confident preoperative localization of the parathyroid with a surgeon performed ultrasound along with concordant localization with SPECT CT is an essential prerequisite before offering patients this approach for parathyroidectomy.Early data has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this approach.