Common minimally invasive techniques
- Uses robotic instruments inserted through the mouth.
- Commonly used for selected cancers of the tonsil, base of tongue, and oropharynx.
- Avoids or reduces the need for external neck incisions in appropriate cases.
- Uses a specialized laser through the mouth to remove selected lesions of the larynx (voice box).
- May help preserve voice and swallowing function in suitable patients.
- Uses a small endoscope passed through the nostrils.
- Commonly performed for chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and certain nasal or sinus tumors.
- Usually does not require external facial incisions.
- Selected tumors and lesions at the skull base can sometimes be approached through the nose using an endoscope.
- Often performed by a multidisciplinary team involving ENT/head-and-neck and neurosurgical specialists.
- Selected thyroid and neck procedures may be performed through smaller or remote-access incisions.
- The appropriate technique depends on the disease, tumor size, anatomy, and patient factors.
Potential benefits
Limitations
Minimally invasive surgery is not suitable for every head and neck condition. Large or advanced tumors, involvement of major blood vessels or nerves, or difficult anatomical locations may require conventional open surgery. In cancer treatment, the priority is always complete and safe removal of the disease, even if that requires a larger operation.
Treatment Approach
Minimally invasive techniques have become increasingly important in head and neck surgery, particularly for selected cancers and conditions involving the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, skull base, thyroid, and neck. The best approach should be determined by Dr SLN Chandra Mohan based on the specific diagnosis and imaging findings.