Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): Purpose, Procedure, Cost, Risks & Recovery
Transoral robotic surgery is a type of robotic surgery that uses minimally invasive techniques to remove tumours from the mouth and throat. This robotic operation helps guide the surgical tools to provide a safe and effective treatment. It can help reach the small and delicate areas of the back of the mouth and throat by providing a better vision of the cancer and the surrounding tissues to the doctors for precise treatment. This is an advanced procedure that provides shorter recovery periods with fewer complications.
Transoral robotic surgery consists of:
- Endoscopes: These are the thin tubes at the tip with the tiny instruments attached to robotic arms.
- Special camera: It is located at the tip of a robotic arm that provides a better view of the surgical area.
- Computer console: It is a device where the surgeon manages the movements of the instruments and controls the robotic arms during the surgery.
Conditions that Transoral Robotic Surgery Treat
Transoral Robotic Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique thattreats various mouth and throat conditions, such as:
- Hypopharyngeal cancer (lower part of the throat)
- Laryngeal (voice box) cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer (back of the throat, base of the tongue or tonsil)
- Obstructive sleep apnea (sleep disorder)
- Lingual tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils at the base of the tongue)
- Other head and neck cancers
Transoral Robotic Surgery is Performed By
TORS is a complex procedure that requires specialized expertise and formal training. Surgeons specializing in transoral robotic surgery typically complete fellowships in minimally invasive and robotic surgery to acquire the required skills and expertise. Surgeons who are experienced in transoral robotic surgery have performed a huge number of procedures. Transoral robotic surgery is performed by:
- Specialists in surgical oncology and otolaryngology
- Some ENT surgeons
Difference between Transoral Robotic Surgery and Traditional Cancer Surgery
TORS is a modern surgical treatment for cancers in the back of the throat, offering a less invasive option. Traditional cancer procedures make incisions through the jawbone for access to the surgical site through the mouth. This modern procedure minimizes tissue damage and also avoids external incisions in the mouth or throat. Patients who undergo TORS have an easier time speaking, swallowing, and eating after surgery compared to those who undergo traditional cancer surgery. TORS eliminates the need for a mandibulotomy, which is a required procedure before traditional cancer surgery. This modern technique reduces the invasiveness of the procedure and enhances the patient’s recovery.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Procedure in India
- During a TORS procedure, the doctor will provide medication to put the patient to sleep and temporarily block any sensation in the body before the surgery.
- The doctors will then slide the camera and other medical tools through the opening of your mouth to remove any tissue causing problems.
- The doctor makes a small incision to treat and remove the cancer, closing any gaps in the remaining healthy tissues.
- Depending on the diagnosis, cancer treatment may also require reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance and function of the mouth.
- The doctor will perform a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes from the neck if the cancer has spread to them. This transoral robotic procedure is important because the tiny nodes in the neck are often the first-place cancer spreads.
- This surgery uses precise tools and retractors to provide proper exposure and access for the robotic device to enter the delicate areas of the mouth.
- The surgical arms are inserted precisely, and the tumour is extracted carefully while examining the surrounding tissues for any cancerous cells. This procedure guarantees complete removal of the tumour with minimal damage to healthy tissues.
Advantages of (TORS) Transoral Robotic Surgery
- Tracheostomy Avoidance
- Reduced chance of long-term problems related to the trachea and vocal cords.
- Reduced risk of swallowing problems
- Less complication compared to traditional cancer surgery
- Less pain during recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Low chances of infection
- Quicker Return to Daily Activities
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Less discomfort
- Getting rid of or lowering the dose of chemotherapy
- No use of tracheostomy compared to the use of TORS
Risks Associated with Transoral Robotic Surgery
- Hemorrhage: Abnormal bleeding during or after surgery can occur and require instant interference to stop.
- Aspiration pneumonia: It is a life-threatening condition that can result in serious complications such as high mortality rate. It occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs during surgery.
- Respiratory compromise: It is a condition in which the lungs fail to provide enough oxygen to the body. It can lead to potential organ damage or failure.
- Difficulty swallowing: It can occur immediately after surgery and impact the patient’s ability to eat and drink normally for alongtime.
In some cases, post-operative breathing difficulties may require a tracheostomy, a procedure that involves inserting a breathing tube directly into the windpipe through a neck incision.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Cost in India
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) can cost between $5,200 and $7,200. The cost depends on various factors such as the hospital, medical team involved, patient, surgery type, room selection, doctor fee, patient’s age, medical condition, post-surgical complications and any lab tests required.
Transoral Robotic Surgery Success Rate in India
TORS has a high success rate of 95% in India. It is a better option than traditional surgical methods when it comes to treating throat cancer. TORS is a minimally invasive surgical approach that offers faster recovery times and fewer side effects. The success rate may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, medical condition, and the type of surgery being performed.
Top Hospitals for Transoral Robotic Surgery in India
- Max Super Specialty Hospital – New Delhi
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute – Gurugram
- Gorzeous Looks Cosmetic & Hair Transplant Centre – New Delhi
- Medanta – The Medicity – Gurugram
- Artemis Hospital – Gurgaon
- Medspa Hospital – New Delhi
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute – Gurugram
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital – Delhi
- SB Aesthetics – Gurgaon
Best Doctors for Transoral Robotic Surgery in India
- Rakesh Kumar Khazanchi – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Adhishwar Sharma – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Shilpi Bhadani – SB Aesthetics, Gurgaon
- Rajesh Kumar Watts – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
- Charu Sharma – Gorzeous Looks Cosmetic & Hair Transplant Centre
- Anil Kumar Behl – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Sunil Choudhary – Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
- Rashmi Taneja – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Ajaya Kashyap – Medspa Hospital, New Delhi
- Vipul Nanda – Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon