Transoral robotic surgery in a modified Trendelenburg position for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with severe thoracic kyphosis.

BACKGROUND

Excessive flexion of the neck and upper back from severe kyphosis of the thoracic spine may limit treatment options for head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

We describe an innovative approach to transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in a patient with severe thoracic kyphosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) who was unsuitable for definitive radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Detailed discussion of management pathway, perioperative considerations, and surgical challenges is presented. TORS lateral oropharyngectomy was successfully performed with the robotic system docked from the caudal end in a modified Trendelenburg position.

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate surgical and anesthetic planning, TORS for patients with severe thoracic kyphosis is a feasible and suitable treatment.