Robotic Surgery in Head and Neck in Pediatric Population: Our Experience

Abstract Purpose Since its introduction over a decade ago, the use of robotic surgery (RS) in head and neck surgery has widely spread around the globe, with very differential adoption of this novel surgical technique in different parts of the world. In this study, we analyze the acceptance and adoption of robotic surgery in the head and neck in Germany. Materials and methods A cross-sectional analysis using a questionnaire evaluating the acceptance and adoption of RS was performed. Questionnaires were distributed to all chairmen /-women of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Departments in Germany. Results A total of 107 respondents completed the questionnaire (65.2%). At university hospitals, 71.4% of the respondents indicated that a robotic system was available, and 21.4% responded that robotic surgery was performed at their institution; 22.7% and 0.04%, respectively, at non-university hospitals. The overall adoption rate was 0.8%. The most common cases performed were TORS resection in the oropharynx. Main reasons for not adopting this technique were costs, lack of interest and available co-operations. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the extent of adoption of TORS in Germany; main perceived barriers to adoption are costs with lack of cost-covering reimbursement and insufficient co-operations with other disciplines as well as hospital administration resulting in a very low adoption rate of this technique over the past decade. Results from this study may assist in decision-making processes on adopting this technique in the future.

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A National Survey of Robotic Surgery Training Among Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Residents

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489421996968 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000348942199696

Author(s):

Hilary C. McCrary ◽

Sierra R. McLean ◽

Abigail Luman ◽

Patricia O’Sullivan ◽

Brigitte Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Robotic Surgery ◽

Head And Neck ◽

National Survey ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

The United States ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Surgery Training ◽

Robotic Surgery Training ◽

Operative Experience

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the current state of robotic surgery training among Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residency programs in the United States. Methods: This is a national survey study among OHNS residents. All OHNS residency programs were identified via the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education website. A total of 64/127 (50.3%) of OHNS programs were selected based on a random number generator. The main outcome measure was the number of OHNS residents with access to robotic surgery training and assessment of operative experience in robotic surgery among those residents. Results: A total of 140 OHNS residents participated in the survey, of which 59.3% (n = 83) were male. Response rate was 40.2%. Respondents came from middle 50.0% (n = 70), southern 17.8% (n = 25), western 17.8% (n = 25), and eastern sections 14.3% (n = 20). Most respondents (94.3%, n = 132) reported that their institution utilized a robot for head and neck surgery. Resident experience at the bedside increased in the junior years of training and console experience increased across the years particularly for more senior residents. However, 63.4% of residents reported no operative experience at the console. Only 11.4% of programs have a structured robotics training program. Conclusion: This survey indicated that nearly all OHNS residencies utilize robotic surgery in their clinical practice with residents receiving little formal education in robotics or experience at the console. OHNS residencies should aim to increase access to training opportunities in order to increase resident competency. Level of Evidence: IV

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