WELCOME TO HEAD & NECK ROBOTIC SURGERY

Robotic Surgery: Precision, Innovation, and Better Outcomes

Advancing minimally invasive surgery with cutting-edge robotic systems for safer, faster, and more effective treatments.

Watch Procedure Video

Robotic surgery is one of the most transformative innovations in modern medicine. By combining the precision of advanced engineering with the expertise of trained surgeons, it allows complex procedures to be performed with unmatched accuracy, control, and visualisation.
In this section, you will find an expanded overview of how robotic systems work, the main platforms currently available, their clinical advantages, limitations, and how they are applied in Head & Neck Surgery and beyond.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon operates through a computer-controlled system that translates precise hand movements into highly accurate actions inside the patient. The technology provides enhanced vision, dexterity, and access to anatomical areas that would otherwise be challenging to reach — all under the complete control of the surgeon.

Key features of modern robotic systems

High-definition 3D vision — magnified, immersive view of the surgical field.
Wristed instruments — capable of bending and rotating beyond the limits of the human hand.
Motion scaling — surgeon’s large movements are converted into micro-movements for ultra-precise control.
Tremor filtration — removes natural hand tremor for smoother, safer instrument motion.

Surgical Robots: Platforms and Components

Main systems in use

da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical) — The most widely adopted platform, with multi-arm configuration and proven outcomes in urology, gynaecology, thoracic, and Head & Neck surgery.
Versius® (CMR Surgical) — Modular arms on separate carts for greater OR flexibility and easier integration into smaller hospitals.
Hugo™ RAS (Medtronic) — Open console design and modular architecture with advanced analytics and remote connectivity.
Flex® Robotic System (Medrobotics) — Flexible, snake-like scope enabling navigation through curved anatomical pathways, valuable in confined spaces such as the upper aerodigestive tract.
HEARO® (CAScination) — Specialised in otologic surgery (ear), enabling sub-millimetre accuracy for cochlear implantation.

Core components of a robotic surgical suite

Surgeon Console — Ergonomic station where the surgeon controls the robot, viewing the operative field in 3D HD.
Patient Cart — The base that holds the robotic arms and connects them to the patient.
Vision Tower — Houses cameras, light source, image processors, and energy sources.
Endowrist Instruments — Wristed, articulated tools for grasping, cutting, cauterising, and suturing.

General Indications

Head & Neck

Oropharyngeal cancer, tongue base reduction for obstructive sleep apnoea, partial laryngectomy, and remote access thyroidectomy for scarless .

Thoracic

Applied in minimally invasive lobectomy, thymectomy, and other mediastinal resections, improving precision and recovery times.

Cardiac

Used for mitral valve repair, coronary artery bypass in selected cases, and other delicate intracardiac procedures requiring enhanced dexterity.

Colorectal

Enables precise resections for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and complex pelvic surgery with nerve-sparing techniques.

Otolaryngology

Facilitates base of tongue resections, supraglottic laryngectomy, and access to difficult airway or pharyngeal tumours.

Advantages

High surgical precision with 3D vision and tremor-filtered controls.

Minimally invasive, reducing trauma and scarring.

Faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

Better access to complex head and neck anatomy.

Improved ergonomics for surgeons during long cases.

Risks

Potential complications as in conventional surgery.

Rare robotic system failures may occur.

Longer surgery time during early learning stages.

Reliance on technology and specialized training.

Need for strict maintenance of equipment.

Limitations

Limited access to centers with the right facilities.

High costs for purchase and upkeep of the robot.

Not for all cases; needs case-by-case selection.

Lower availability in resource-limited regions.

Requires trained surgical teams for safe use.

Training and Certification

Simulator-based skills development.

Wet lab and cadaveric dissections for realistic anatomy.

Proctored live cases before independent practice.

Continuing education with case audits and peer review.

Future Directions

Artificial Intelligence integration — for automated camera control, safety checks, and performance feedback.
Haptic feedback — restoring the surgeon’s sense of touch.
Miniaturised and flexible robots — for endoluminal and natural orifice surgery.
Tele-surgery — performing procedures at a distance via ultra-low latency networks.