Transoral robotic surgery: supraglottic laryngectomy

The concept of organ preservation continues to dominate laryngeal cancer treatment paradigms. Initial attempts to avoid total laryngectomy relied on open partial laryngectomies, which carried significant morbidity and variable functional outcomes. The most common approach to organ preservation now includes radiation and chemotherapy. Although effective, these therapies carry significant toxicity and long-term side effects. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have evolved to avoid this morbidity, while maintaining oncological soundness and preserving function. One of the newest techniques uses the da Vinci surgical robot to perform supraglottic laryngectomy. This article describes the indications, contraindications, technique, complications, postoperative management and expected outcomes of transoral robotic surgery supraglottic laryngectomy.