Curved Laryngopharyngoscope With Flexible Next-Generation Robotic Surgical System for Transoral Hypopharyngeal Surgery: A Preclinical Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

The indication of transoral robotic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer is limited because of poor accessibility. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a curved laryngopharyngoscope used in combination with a next-generation flexible robotic surgical system for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.

METHODS

A comparative evaluation of the curved laryngopharyngoscope versus standard straight-blade retractors using the flexible robotic surgical system was conducted on 2 cadavers. End points measured included visualization, accessibility, and ease of dissection for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.

RESULTS

Visualization, accessibility, and dissection were superior with the curved laryngopharyngoscope in all subareas of the hypopharynx. The advantages of accessibility and visualization were much more evident in the cadaver with a high body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

These preclinical data suggest that using a curved laryngopharyngoscope in combination with a flexible robotic surgical system may lead to technical innovations concerning transoral surgery of the hypopharynx.