Robotic surgery can minimize the side effects of traditional open surgery while also delivering better cosmetic and functional outcomes, says Dr. Umamaheswar Duvvuri.
Credit: Juliana Thomas
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive option for treating conditions that might otherwise require more-complex open surgeries. With benefits like faster recovery and smaller, less noticeable scars, it’s becoming an increasingly common choice among head and neck surgeons. But how do you know if robotic surgery is right for you?
We asked Umamaheswar Duvvuri, MD, PhD—chair of the and one of the nation’s leaders in robotic head and neck surgery, with over 600 procedures performed—to answer some common questions people may have about robotic surgery for conditions in the head and neck.
What types of conditions do you treat using robotic surgery?
Most commonly, we use robotic surgery to treat tumors—both cancerous and benign—in the head and neck. A robotic approach is especially useful for hard-to-reach areas in the back of the throat and tongue. We also consider robotic surgery for people who have conditions such as enlarged tonsils, which can cause persistent pain, obstructed breathing, or sleep apnea.
What are the main benefits of robotic surgery versus a traditional approach?
With open surgery, you might have a big incision in the neck, or your jawbone may need to be broken so your surgeon can access a tumor. With robotic surgery, we can operate more precisely through the mouth or hidden incisions behind the ear, which means less scarring. People may have better swallowing and speech function after surgery. Generally, they also have a shorter hospital stay and recovery period than they would with a traditional surgery.
When it comes to cancer, the precision of robotic surgery often enables us to remove more of a tumor, so we can give patients lower doses of chemotherapy and radiation. This personalized approach helps to reduce side effects and supports long-term health. The improved outcomes we have with robotic surgery are particularly important for conditions like oropharyngeal cancers, which are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is on the rise and a leading viral-associated cancer in the nation. And since the survival rate is high, it’s especially important that we consider long-term function and quality of life for these patients.
Is robotic surgery safe?
Robotic surgery has been in use since the 1980s and is being used with more and more conditions. We know from research that it’s generally as safe or safer than traditional surgery and has comparable outcomes. Of course, any kind of surgery always comes with risks including bleeding, infection, and pain.
Will I need fewer pain medications after robotic surgery?
Not necessarily. There is still some pain to be expected with robotic surgery, but patients are usually in the hospital for two days, versus a week with open surgery. So even though there’s pain, they may be able to move around a day after surgery, swallow two days after surgery, and eat within three days of surgery.
What else should I know about robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery can be a great tool for treating people who have head and neck conditions while minimizing the overall toll of traditional open surgery. It can provide better cosmetic and functional outcomes and minimize the need for additional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and each person’s condition, medical history, and preferences must be weighed in deciding whether to pursue robotic surgery. You should talk with your doctor about creating a personalized treatment path for your specific condition and treatment goals.
