A significant advancement in head and neck cancer treatment is now available at Northside Hospital: Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive technique designed to precisely remove tumors in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and throat.
TORS is used to treat cancers of the tonsils, base of the tongue, and larynx — among the most common newly diagnosed cancers of the head and neck. While these cancers have traditionally been treated with radiation and chemotherapy, surgery has a significant role in the treatment of select patients.
Using the da Vinci Single Port robotic system, TORS provides surgeons with enhanced visualization and improved dexterity in confined spaces. This advanced approach leads to several benefits for patients, including:
- Reduced morbidity: Less invasive than traditional open surgery
- Faster recovery: Shorter hospital stays and quicker return to function
- Improved functional outcomes: Better preservation of speech and swallowing than traditional open surgery
- Potential for de-escalation: Can reduce the need for extensive radiation or chemotherapy
“Transoral robotic surgery offers a precise and effective approach for removing tumors from challenging areas of the mouth and throat, including the tonsils, base of the tongue and larynx,” said Dr. Andrew Fuson, a board-certified otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon with Atlanta Head & Neck Associates.
“By using the da Vinci Single Port system, we are able to enhance visualization and surgical precision in confined spaces, which can lead to less invasive treatment, faster recovery and improved functional outcomes for our patients.”
Historically, cancers in these difficult-to-access regions were considered unresectable or required highly invasive open procedures. TORS provides a crucial alternative, expanding surgical options and improving outcomes for many patients.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TORS AT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL.
