Objectives: The indication of transoral robotic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer is limited because of poor accessibility. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a curved laryngopharyngoscope used in combination with a next-generation flexible robotic surgical system for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.
Methods: A comparative evaluation of the curved laryngopharyngoscope versus standard straight-blade retractors using the flexible robotic surgical system was conducted on 2 cadavers. End points measured included visualization, accessibility, and ease of dissection for accessing and resecting the hypopharynx.
Results: Visualization, accessibility, and dissection were superior with the curved laryngopharyngoscope in all subareas of the hypopharynx. The advantages of accessibility and visualization were much more evident in the cadaver with a high body mass index.
Conclusions: These preclinical data suggest that using a curved laryngopharyngoscope in combination with a flexible robotic surgical system may lead to technical innovations concerning transoral surgery of the hypopharynx.
Keywords: curved laryngopharyngoscope; da Vinci SP; hypopharynx; robotic surgical procedures; transoral robotic surgery.