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Transoral Robotic Surgery Using a Carbon Dioxide Flexible Laser for Tumors of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Author(s) -
Desai Shaun C.,
Sung ChihKwang,
Jang David W.,
Genden Eric M.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.1097/mlg.0b013e31818379e4
Subject(s) - larynx , carbon dioxide laser , medicine , transoral robotic surgery , surgery , transoral laser microsurgery , adenoid cystic carcinoma , laser surgery , carcinoma , laser , laryngeal neoplasm , physics , optics
Objective: To determine the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of coupling transoral robotic technology with the flexible carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser for various tumors of the oropharynx and supraglottic larynx. Study Design: Prospective, pilot trial. Methods: Eight patients were enrolled in an IRB‐approved prospective trial for transoral robotic surgery with the aid of the flexible CO 2 laser. Results: Seven male patients with early carcinoma of the oropharynx or larynx successfully underwent tumor extirpation with the transoral robot and the flexible CO 2 laser. We were unable to gain access to the supraglottic larynx in one female patient. The final pathology revealed seven patients with squamous cell carcinoma and one patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma. The flexible CO 2 laser provided fine incisions with excellent hemostasis and minimal peripheral tissue injury. Additionally, the laser provided an excellent tool for raising pharyngeal flaps for reconstruction of the oropharynx. Conclusion: The flexible CO 2 laser offers a unique advantage of precise incisions and may provide a valuable tool for both tumor extirpation and the creation of flaps for transoral robotic reconstruction.