COVER STORY Making history – first transoral robotic surgery in Queensland ENT/ Head and Neck Surgeons at Greenslopes Private Hospital are the first in Queensland to perform transoral robotic surgery to remove mouth and throat (oropharyngeal) tumours. Transoral robotic surgery is a new minimally invasive approach performed through the mouth (transorally) providing an alternative to what can be highly invasive surgery and high dose chemoradiation therapy for the diseases of the head and neck. ENT/ Head and Neck Surgeon Dr Sam Dowthwaite recently performed the first procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital using the da Vinci Surgical System. Dr Dowthwaite said that he is pleased to be able to provide patients with this latest treatment option here in Queensland. “For some patients access to robotic surgery will mean they will avoid having major open surgery which can result in prolonged hospital stays and poor speech and swallowing function afterwards,” Dr Dowthwaite said. In transoral robotic surgery, the robot’s precise wrist-like action and tremor filtration allows surgical removal of the tumour by working in multiple directions in tight spaces with the capability to work around corners. Guiding the surgery from the command console, the surgeon uses 3-D imaging and instruments attached to the robotic arms, which improves precision when removing the cancer. “The superior access and precision with using the robot to remove these tumours can also mean patients may not require chemotherapy and radiation treatment following surgery and will also have a faster recovery than with the open procedures,” Dr Dowthwaite said. This is especially important given that a high number of patients now presenting with oropharyngeal (tonsillar) cancers who are generally highly functioning young people with lower rates of smoking-related cancers. These cancers are typically related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infections and are highly treatable with good long-term prognosis. Dr Sam Dowthwaite completed his fellowship training in London, Ontario, Canada where he gained comprehensive training in all aspects of head and neck oncology and reconstruction including facial reanimation and transoral robotic surgery. For more information on robotic procedures performed at Greenslopes Private Hospital visit www.queenslandroboticsurgery.com.au The superior access and precision with using the robot to remove these tumours can also mean patients ... will also have a faster recovery than with the open procedures... GPHnews 5
GPH News Spring 2013
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