Robotic-assisted oropharyngeal reconstruction with local flaps

Robotic surgical systems have been developed to augment the capabilities of the surgeon when applied to limited access surgical situations. The adaption of robotic technology to the management of oropharyngeal pathology may represent a paradigm shift in the management of early stage oral malignancies that have commonly been treated with chemoradiation due to the morbidity associated with standard open surgical techniques. The creation of a surgical defect with this approach also creates the need to develop and adapt techniques for reconstruction. Fortunately, the surgical robot is easily applied to the transposition of local flaps to meet these reconstructive needs.