Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is a modern surgical technique that is used to perform surgery on the upper airway via the mouth, with robotic assistance using the da Vinci System. This minimally invasive form of surgery is mainly used to treat cancers of the throat, mouth and larynx (voicebox). TORS may also be used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

The da Vinci System is a robotic-assisted surgical device that the surgeon is in complete control of at all times. The da Vinci System gives the operating surgeon a 3D high definition view inside the body, and allows the use of wristed instruments (that bend and rotate through a greater range than the human hand) inside the body. This system results in enhanced visualisation, precision and control when operating in the upper airway. TORS is performed by a team of two surgeons: one surgeon at the system console who controls the surgical device, and one surgeon at the patient's bedside who assists in the procedure.

Dr Vokes completed his training in TORS in 2017 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr Samant completed his training in TORS in 2018 at the Florida Hospital Celebration Health. Dr Vokes and Dr Samant work together, and with other TORS trained colleagues, to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with throat cancer and obstructive sleep apnoea.