Open AccessRobotic surgical systems in maxillofacial surgery: a review
Author(s) -
Hanghang Liu,
Longjiang Li,
Bin Shi,
C. Xu,
En Luo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of oral science/international journal of oral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.395
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 2049-3169
pISSN - 1674-2818
DOI - 10.1038/ijos.2017.24
Subject(s) - medicine , robotic surgery , head and neck , oral and maxillofacial surgery , surgery , surgical procedures , blood loss , transoral robotic surgery , general surgery
Throughout the twenty-first century, robotic surgery has been used in multiple oral surgical procedures for the treatment of head and neck tumors and non-malignant diseases. With the assistance of robotic surgical systems, maxillofacial surgery is performed with less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospitalization and better cosmetic results than standard open surgery. However, the application of robotic surgery techniques to the treatment of head and neck diseases remains in an experimental stage, and the long-lasting effects on surgical morbidity, oncologic control and quality of life are yet to be established. More well-designed studies are needed before this approach can be recommended as a standard treatment paradigm. Nonetheless, robotic surgical systems will inevitably be extended to maxillofacial surgery. This article reviews the current clinical applications of robotic surgery in the head and neck region and highlights the benefits and limitations of current robotic surgical systems.