Robotic-assisted selective and modified radical neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients

• Neck dissection is standard treatment for surgically treated head and neck cancer.
• Conventional, open neck dissection leaves a lengthy, visible scar on the neck.
• Robotic neck dissection is supposed to give equal oncological and functional outcomes with better cosmesis.

IntroductionRecently, several authors introduced various methods and published feasibility studies on novel robotic-assisted neck dissection techniques for head and neck cancer patients. Cosmesis and general appearance have become important concerns of cancer patients today. Especially in the head and neck area, a conspicuous scar can reduce patient satisfaction after surgery. With conventional neck dissection techniques, a long scar in the neck is unavoidable. Therefore, the development of robotic assisted neck dissection provides the patients with a scarless neck in these situations. However, there are some limitations of the application of these techniques in their current stage of development.MethodsThis study was performed using a systematic literature review.ResultsThe reviewed clinical studies show that robotic-assisted neck dissection yields similar functional and early oncologic outcomes to that of conventional neck dissection, as well as excellent cosmetic satisfaction of patients. Despite these benefits, some disadvantages can be observed, in terms of longer operation times as well as higher procedure costs.ConclusionBesides the similar oncologic and functional outcomes compared with the open procedure so far, more prospective, controlled, multicenter studies are required to establish robotic-assisted neck dissection as an alternative standard and to justify its added costs beyond the cosmetic advantages.