Trans-hairline robotic neck dissection and robotic microvascular free flap reconstruction in oral cavity cancer.

BACKGROUND

A report on the feasibility of sequential robotic-assisted neck dissection and robotic micro-surgical free flap reconstruction via a trans-hairline approach in oral cavity cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A patient with cT2N0 right tongue squamous cell carcinoma is used for illustration.

RESULTS

A trans-hairline incision is used. Subplatysmal flaps are raised and levels I-III cervical lymph nodes are exposed. Da Vinci Xi robotic system is then docked via trans-hairline incision for neck dissection followed by trans-oral hemi-glossectomy. Skin island of free anterolateral thigh flap is used to reconstruct intra-oral mucosal defect. Flap pedicle is passed to the neck medial to mandible for microvascular anastomosis using the Symani micro-robotic surgical system via trans-hairline incision.

CONCLUSION

Trans-hairline robotic-assisted neck dissection and robotic microvascular free flap surgery is feasible and safe with good cosmetic and functional outcomes in oral cavity cancer patients.