Head and Neck Surgery

da Vinci® Robotic Surgery Treatment

The da Vinci® Surgical System incorporates the latest advances in robotics and computer technology and provides physicians with a sophisticated tool for the surgical treatment of head and neck patients. This new, minimally invasive, robotic surgical approach, Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is used for surgical procedures to treat benign and malignant tumors in adults. 

Head and neck tumor treatments often involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In many cases, surgery offers the greatest chance of cure; yet conventional surgery may require an extensive incision, resulting in speech and swallowing deficits for patients. In comparison, the minimally invasive approach, which accesses the surgical site through the mouth, has been shown to improve long term swallowing function and reduce the risk of infection while speeding up the recovery time. When compared to traditional open surgeries, patients have been able to begin swallowing on their own sooner and leave the hospital earlier. TORS outcomes have been shown to be very favorable compared to primary chemo radiotherapy and should thus be considered part of the treatment algorithm in managing complex malignancies. 

The panoramic 3-dimensional view, finer instrument control and greater magnification offered this technology, coupled with a surgeon's experience and skill, result in improved outcomes. Patients can return to healthier, productive lives sooner. We are pleased to provide this exciting new treatment modality with all of our head and neck cancer surgeons.

Sophisticated Technology in Radiation Oncology

The Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute's Radiation Oncology Center is staying on the leading edge of cancer treatment with a state-of-the-art CT simulator and Trilogy System with RapidArc. The Triology Linear Accelerator RapidArc has small multi-leaf collimators, which shapes beams of radiation with extreme precision, making it ideal to treat small areas near critical anatomical structures such as in the case with head and neck cancer. By accurately and quickly delivering the highest amount of radiation available, more patients can tolerate receiving this form of "Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy" [IMRT] while experiencing fewer side effects and gaining enhanced survival outcomes.