I was recently impressed by an Instagram reel from RS Simulation showing a transoral/transvestibular robotic thyroidectomy performed using the Versius Surgical System. It highlights how rapidly physical simulation models are evolving in robotic surgery training, because, as far as I know, there is no clinical experience worldwide with Versius TORT. But it should be useful as a TOETVA simulator, and therefore contribute to the expansion of remote access neck surgery.
The availability of physical models for surgical simulation is growing quickly and becoming increasingly relevant in surgical education, including Robotic Head&Neck Surgery. These models now allow surgeons to practice exposure, docking, dissection, instrument handling, and complete procedural workflows in highly reproducible environments.
One of the major advantages of physical simulation is accessibility. Compared with cadaveric training, physical models are easier to organize, reusable, more widely available, and considerably less resource-intensive. This facilitates more frequent hands-on training opportunities for residents, fellows, and experienced surgeons adopting new robotic techniques.
As robotic surgery continues to expand in Head&Neck Surgery, physical simulation will likely become an essential complement to virtual simulators, cadaveric dissection, and operating room mentorship.
J Granell. May 10, 2026