Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

What Is Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery?

The WK Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute is the first in Shreveport and the Ark-La-Tex to offer trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System’s advanced technologies. Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of throat cancers, tongue cancers, oral cancer, and sleep apnea. These procedures are performed through the mouth with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.

What is the da Vinci Si Surgical System?

The da Vinci Surgical System is a sophisticated robotic platform designed to enable complex surgery using a minimally- invasive approach. The da Vinci System consists of an ergonomic surgeon’s console, a patient-sidecart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance 3D HD vision system and proprietary EndoWrist® instruments.

Does the da Vinci Replace the Surgeon?

Absolutely not. The da Vinci requires a skilled surgeon and becomes a “superhuman assistant,” giving your doctor significant technological advantages. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the da Vinci System is designed to scale, filter and seamlessly translate the surgeon's hand movements into more precise movements of the EndoWrist instruments. The net result is an intuitive interface with breakthrough surgical capabilities. The da Vinci System’s ergonomic design allows the surgeon to operate from a comfortable, seated position at the console, with eyes and hands positioned in line with the instruments. To move the instruments or to reposition the camera, the surgeon simply moves his/her hands.

What Benefits Does it Offer to Conventional Surgery?

The minimally invasive TORS offers the potential for better outcomes for patients. Potential benefits of the da Vinci trans-oral surgery include reduced blood loss, reduced risk of infection or complications, shorter hospital stay, and the minimization of post-operative chemotherapy and radiation therapy. By providing surgeons with superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort, the da Vinci Surgical System makes it possible for more surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction. This ultimately raises the standard of care for complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient benefits.