Indications for Robotic Surgery in the Head&Neck

Published Oct 22, 2023

Updated Oct 4, 2026

Virtually every procedure in H&N Surgery can be performed with robotic instrumentation and it is likely that Robotic Surgery will continue to expand in clinical practice. Let’s examine the current indications, categorized into two distinct groups of surgical techniques: TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and Robotic Remote Access techniques in H&N Surgery (click on the icons to see the different techniques).

Illustration of a head profile with robotic arms examining the mouth, set against a blue background.
TORS
Graphic representation of a head and neck with robotic arms positioned around the neck area, indicating a focus on medical or mechanical intervention in the cervical region.
Remote Access

TORS

Cancer of the Oropharynx

Close-up view of surgical instruments in use during a robotic surgery procedure, showing tissue and blood in the surgical field.

Benign tumours of the Base of the Tongue

MRI scan of the side profile of a human skull and cervical spine, showing detailed anatomical structures.

Cancer of the larynx

Close-up view of a surgical procedure inside the mouth, featuring robotic tools and instruments being used.

Parapharyngeal tumors

Surgical procedure showing robotic instruments inside the throat, with a visible mass being removed.

Robotic Access to the Nasopahrynx and Retropharyngeal space

Close-up view of internal tissue during a medical examination, with surgical tools visible.

Lingual thyroid

Axial CT scan of the neck showing soft tissue structures and potential abnormalities.

Eagle

Close-up view of a surgical procedure inside the mouth, showing tools and tissue during an operation.

Sleep Apnea

A surgeon in scrubs is using a medical device on a patient during a procedure, with monitors displaying images in the background.

Lingual tonsillectomy (tonsillitis)

Close-up image of a body cavity showing an eye and surrounding tissues with a red hue.

Submaxilectomy (TORS)

Salivary gland stones (sialilithiasis)

Cancer of the oral cavity

Remote Access

Thyroid Cancer

There are several options for a minimal access robotic surgery on the thyroid gland, both for benign nodules and malignant disease.

Submaxilectomy (retroauricular approach)

Submaxilectomy can be performed through a retroauricular (face-lift) approach..

Parathyroid glands surgery

The usual surgery for thyroid gland diseases can be alternatively performed through different robotic minimal access approaches.

Neck dissection (BABA)

Lateral neck dissection can be performed through a bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) when it is requiered after a total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.

Neck dissection (retroauricular approach)

A lateral neck dissection through a retroauricular approach (BABA) can be combined with a TORS procedure for oropharyngeal cancer.

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