Robot-Assisted Free Flap Reconstruction for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2023.01053
- Author:
Panagiotis VRAKAS
1
;
Deepak KALASKAR
;
Raghav C DWIVEDI
Author Information
1. Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2024;67(2):63-73
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
Management of oropharyngeal cancer is undergoing a shift due to different profiles of patients, who tend to be younger and show better prognosis. Transoral robotic surgery is being established as the first-line approach as the procedure has shown minimal invasiveness and good oncological and functional outcomes, while avoiding extensive open surgery approaches and intensive chemoradiotherapy treatments. Naturally, the next step in the management of oropharyngeal cancer would be using the same technology for reconstruction to preserve the function and anatomy of the oropharynx. Free flaps, especially the radial forearm free flap and the anterolateral thigh flap, proved to be ideal for oropharyngeal reconstruction, and robotic assistance in these cases is yet to be explored. A limited number of studies have reported robot-assisted oropharyngeal reconstruction, so this review summarizes the currently available data and explores the feasibility, safety, and functional outcomes of this novel technique.
