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Title: Robotic Anterior and Midline Skull Base Surgery: Preclinical Investigations

Journal Article · · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics
 [1]
  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

Purpose: To develop a minimally invasive surgical technique to access the midline and anterior skull base using the optical and technical advantages of robotic surgical instrumentation. Methods and Materials: Ten experimental procedures focusing on approaches to the nasopharynx, clivus, sphenoid, pituitary sella, and suprasellar regions were performed on one cadaver and one live mongrel dog. Both the cadaver and canine procedures were performed in an approved training facility using the da Vinci Surgical Robot. For the canine experiments, a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach was used, and for the cadaver a newly developed combined cervical-transoral robotic surgery (C-TORS) approach was investigated and compared with standard TORS. The ability to access and dissect tissues within the various areas of the midline and anterior skull base were evaluated, and techniques to enhance visualization and instrumentation were developed. Results: Standard TORS approaches did not provide adequate access to the midline and anterior skull base; however, the newly developed C-TORS approach was successful in providing the surgical access to these regions of the skull base. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is an exciting minimally invasive approach to the skull base that warrants continued preclinical investigation and development.

OSTI ID:
21036285
Journal Information:
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol. 69, Issue 2; Conference: Inaugural multidisciplinary head and neck cancer symposium, Rancho Mirage, CA (United States), 18-20 Jan 2007; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.06.028; PII: S0360-3016(07)01035-8; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0360-3016
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English