Robotics in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - A Review

Abstract

Throughout the twenty-first century, robotic surgery has been used in multiple oral surgical procedures for the treatment of head and neck tumors and non-malignant diseases. With the assistance of robotic surgical systems, maxillofacial surgery is performed with less blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospitalization and better cosmetic results than standard open surgery. However, the application of robotic surgery techniques to the treatment of head and neck diseases remains in an experimental stage, and the long-lasting effects on surgical morbidity, oncologic control and quality of life are yet to be established. Maxillofacial surgeries are being performed with large incisions, either via a transmandibular or a transpharyngeal approach, because of anatomical complications and minimal surgical space. These procedures typically result in significant surgical morbidity, speech dysfunction and dyspepsia from the dissection of large amounts of normal tissue. Robotic surgical system allows surgeons to access tissue throught a few small incisions instead of a large incision. The focus of these procedures is now on preserving function, reducing postoperative morbidity and improving quality of life. Robotic surgical systems will inevitably be extended to maxillofacial surgery. Conclusions: Robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region allows the incision to hide the scar by making the incision line far from the surgical field, resulting in fewer intra-operative and post-operative complications, such as amount of drainage or hospital days. Furthermore, recent studies show similar or superior results in terms of oncologic safety of robot assisted surgeries compared to conventional surgeries.