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First use of a computer‐assisted operator‐controlled flexible endoscope for transoral surgery
Author(s) -
Schuler Patrick J.,
Duvvuri Uma,
Friedrich Daniel T.,
Rotter Nicole,
Scheithauer Marc O.,
Hoffmann Thomas K.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.24957
Subject(s) - transoral robotic surgery , endoscope , medicine , surgery , head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , head and neck , head and neck cancer , medical physics , radiation therapy
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become an accepted treatment option for head and neck cancer. However, anatomical limitations and a relevant financial burden require alternative developments in this field. To this end, a patient presenting with a T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lateral oropharyngeal wall was effectively treated with a new Conformité Européene–certified, computer‐assisted, operator‐controlled flexible endoscope (Flex). Intraoperative visualization and tissue handling were acceptable and safe. Transoral surgery with the flexible endoscope was safely conducted in a clinical setting. The introduction of alternative TORS systems will increase competition, drive scientific improvement, and reduce financial expenses. Laryngoscope , 125:645–648, 2015