Advanced Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, larynx, or lymph nodes in the neck. Common types of head and neck cancer include oral cavity cancer (mouth), laryngeal cancer (voice box), nasal cavity, and throat cancer (pharynx).

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include tobacco use (chewing tobacco or smoking), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and sun exposure. Symptoms can include a sore throat that doesn’t heal, a lump or sore inside the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a change or hoarseness in the voice. Seeking consultation from the Best Oncologist in Pune is highly recommended if you or your loved one experience such symptoms.

ARE ROBOTIC SURGERIES POSSIBLE FOR HEAD & NECK CANCERS?

Yes, Robotic Surgeries are possible and being performed successfully for head and neck cancers at advanced cancer hospitals like Galaxy Care Hospital. The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures through small incisions resulting in less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.

HOW ARE ROBOTIC SURGERIES FOR THE HEAD & NECK REGION PERFORMED? 

Robotic surgeries for head and neck cancers generally use the da Vinci Surgical System. This involves making a few small incisions rather than one large opening. The surgeon sits at a console some distance away from the patient and controls robotic arms with precision instruments, including a 3D camera. The system allows around 7 degrees of freedom of movement compared to the human wrist which provides only 4 degrees of freedom. This allows the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, and control. Fine dissections can be performed while preserving vital structures like nerves helping get clear margins. Consulting the Best Oncologist in Pune is a must before you undergo robotic surgery. 

ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR HEAD & NECK REGION

• Magnified 3D view with an increased range of motion helps the surgeon to access difficult-to-reach areas deep inside the head and neck region with more precision.  
• Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage, blood loss, and scarring compared to traditional surgery.
• Patients experience less pain, quicker return to normal activities, and shorter hospital stays.
• The risk of complications is lower due to the precision of the robotic instruments.
• Surgery may be less disfiguring than traditional open surgeries depending on the site of the cancer.

WHAT IS TRANS-ORAL ROBOTIC SURGERY (TORS)?

TORS uses the da Vinci robot to access and remove tumors in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue and tonsil areas through the mouth without external incisions. The precision instruments of the robot allow surgeons to navigate the complex anatomy in this region with ease to remove tumours without compromising functions like speech and swallowing. It offers an alternative to traditional open surgery or radiation methods for select early-stage cancers in certain locations in the throat.

WILL I HAVE NORMAL SPEECH AND SWALLOWING AFTER TORS?

As TORS does not require any external incisions and precisely dissects the tumour preserving vital structures like nerves, muscles and tissues, most patients are able to resume normal speech and swallowing soon after surgery. Ensuring patient’s eligibility for the operation, skills of the Best Cancer Surgeon, and experience are key factors in maximizing the chances of normal functions after TORS. At Galaxy Care Hospital, patients are comprehensively evaluated before recommending TORS to optimize results and qualify patients who are most suited for the surgery.

WHY CHOOSE GALAXY CARE HOSPITAL FOR HEAD & NECK SURGERY?

Galaxy Care Hospital is the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune, India with state-of-the-art facilities and is recognized for excellence in surgical oncology. Our department performs one of the highest volumes of advanced robotic surgeries in India with outstanding long-term outcomes. Our Oncosurgeons in Pune have extensive expertise, outstanding skill and experience having performed over 1000 robotic oncology surgeries to date.

A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, dieticians, and therapists work together to offer holistic cancer care and maximize functions after surgery. Our hospital uses only the latest da Vinci Xi surgical robot for precision, 3D HD view and fewer complications. Our post-operative care involves intensive speech and swallowing therapy to help patients resume oral intake without dependency. Individualized treatment plans are created based on each patient’s exact tumor profile and desired quality of life outcomes.

In conclusion, advanced robotic surgery techniques like TORS offer minimally invasive treatment options for select head and neck cancers while minimizing surgery-related side effects. With experienced surgeons, the latest technology and multidisciplinary support, hospitals like Galaxy Care are leading the field in maximizing surgical outcomes for patients through robotics. Feel free to consult the Best Cancer Specialist in Pune and understand about the chances for robotic cancer surgery.