Since the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of cancer of the tonsils and base of the tongue.
Due to high consumption of alcohol and tobacco, oral cancer was prevalent among elderly patients in earlier years, but now it has become a trend with younger patients. Nonsmokers between 30- and 50-years have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV). With the development of open neck surgery and extensive radiation, the tumours caused by HPV can be avoided. The application of Robotic surgery for oral diseases results in positive outcome. It involves the removal of squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior side of the throat for patients with HPV, as stated in the Mayo Clinic study released in March.
Along with his team, Dr. Moore analyzed the effects of the application of the da Vinci robotic surgical system-based oropharyngeal cancer transoral robotic surgery for 66 patients. As result of constant follow-up procedures such as imaging studies, scans and tests implemented for the patients, their survival rate was increased over 92 %. This rate represents improved potentials for other surgical and nonsurgical treatments for oropharyngeal cancer.
Earlier traditional surgery techniques involved the removal of throat tumors by incision and reconstruction of the neck, tongue, and jawbone with prolonged recuperation.
According to Dr. Moore, this Mayo Clinic study is an illustration of the significance of robotic surgery. With further researches along with multiple medical centers, analysis will be conducted on transoral robotic surgery in wide range of patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/