Robotic surgery has transformed the landscape of head and neck oncology. What began as a technological leap is now an integral part of modern cancer care—allowing surgeons to operate with unparalleled precision while preserving speech, swallowing, and appearance. At Aster Medcity Kochi, our Head & Neck Oncology team has been at the forefront of adopting and refining these advanced techniques to offer patients safer, minimally invasive, and function-preserving surgical solutions.
Why Robotics in Head & Neck?
The anatomy of the head and neck region is intricate—packed with nerves, vessels, muscles, and vital structures that control breathing, speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Conventional open surgeries often require large incisions, extensive tissue retraction, and longer recovery times.
Robotic platforms change this dramatically by offering:
- High-definition 3D visualization
- Wristed instruments with 7 degrees of freedom
- Superior access to deep, narrow spaces
- Reduced trauma and enhanced precision
These advantages make robotic surgery particularly valuable for cancers of the oropharynx, larynx, thyroid, and hypopharynx, and for select benign tumors in difficult-to-reach areas.
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): A Paradigm Shift
TORS enables surgeons to remove tumors of the oropharynx and supraglottic larynx through the mouth without external cuts. This approach avoids the morbidity of mandibulotomy or transcervical access.
Advantages of TORS
- No external incisions
- Better preservation of swallowing and speech
- Shorter hospital stay
- Reduced tracheostomy and feeding tube dependence
- Faster recovery and return to routine life
At Aster Medcity, we routinely perform TORS for:
- HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers
- Supraglottic and base-of-tongue lesions
- Selected benign tumors of the oropharynx
Transoral Endoscopic Robotic Surgery (TOERS)
TOERS extends the advantages of TORS with even finer endoscopic visualization. It allows precise removal of smaller lesions or early-stage tumors with minimal collateral tissue damage.
This is particularly useful in:
- Tongue base lesions
- Early hypopharyngeal tumors
- Selected laryngeal lesions
Robotic Thyroidectomy: Transaxillary and Transoral Approaches
For many patients, the cosmetic impact of a neck scar can be significant. Robotic thyroidectomy offers scarless or minimally visible options.
Transaxillary Robotic Thyroidectomy
A small incision placed in the axilla (armpit) allows the surgeon to remove the thyroid gland without any neck scars.
Benefits include:
- Excellent cosmetic outcome
- Magnified visualization of recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroids
- Reduced postoperative discomfort
Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy (TORT / TOETVA-Robot-Assisted)
With three small incisions inside the lower lip, the thyroid can be accessed directly through the oral vestibule.
Ideal for:
- Small to medium-sized nodules
- Papillary thyroid carcinomas (selected cases)
- Patients prioritizing scarless results
Robotics in Head & Neck Oncology at Aster Medcity
Our robotics program integrates surgical experience, advanced technology, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
What sets our program apart:
- Expertise in TORS, TOERS, and robotic thyroidectomy (transoral & transaxillary)
- Comprehensive treatment for head and neck malignancies
- Full spectrum of services including diagnostic endoscopy, reconstruction, and rehabilitation
- Minimally invasive techniques tailored for cancer control and quality of life
- Integration with medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and speech–swallow therapy
- Our focus is not just on removing tumors—but on restoring function, preserving aesthetics, and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
Patients Who Benefit Most From Robotic Surgery
Robotic techniques are ideal for:
- HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers
- Early supraglottic or hypopharyngeal cancers
- Base of tongue tumors
- Thyroid nodules and cancers requiring scarless options
- Selected benign lesions in deep or difficult anatomical spaces
Not all cases are suitable for robotics—proper patient selection remains essential for safety and optimal outcomes.
The Future of Robotic Surgery in Head & Neck
Artificial intelligence–assisted navigation, augmented reality, and next-generation robotic platforms will soon make minimally invasive oncology even safer and more precise. At Aster Medcity, we are continuously upgrading our skillsets and protocols to stay at the forefront of these advancements.
