Nagpur has marked a significant medical achievement with the successful completion of Central India’s first robotic transoral surgery at a private hospital. This groundbreaking procedure preserved the ability of a 69-year-old man, diagnosed with voice box cancer, to speak and swallow.

By utilizing robotic-assisted surgery, doctors were able to avoid an invasive open procedure, which would have left the patient dependent on a permanent tracheostomy and feeding tube. Instead, this minimally invasive technique allowed for a faster recovery while maintaining crucial functions. The surgery was performed by ENT specialist Dr. Sweta Lohiya and a team of experts at KIMS Kingsway Hospital.

“The patient had already undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but some cancerous tissue remained at the base of his tongue. His treatment options were limited—either palliative chemotherapy or an open surgery, both carrying significant risks. That’s when we decided to opt for transoral robotic surgery (TORS),” explained Dr. Lohiya.

TORS is an advanced surgical approach that enables precise tumor removal using robotic arms, eliminating the need for large incisions. “This method allowed us to remove the tumor with remarkable accuracy while minimizing blood loss and preserving surrounding healthy tissues. The patient was able to walk, speak, and eat within just a day of the procedure,” she added.

Since receiving FDA approval in 2009, TORS has been widely used in the treatment of head and neck cancers, recurrent tumors after previous treatments, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by excessive throat tissue.

Dr. Lohiya also emphasized the benefits of robotic surgery for individuals with sleep apnea who rely on CPAP machines. “This surgery can be life-changing for such patients, allowing them to breathe freely at night without the long-term need for CPAP therapy,” she stated.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)