Head, Neck and Sleep Apnea Surgery

Patients who have head or neck conditions, or who suffer from sleep apnea can now get the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Experienced surgeons at the hospital employ the da Vinci® Surgery System to perform minimally invasive transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS). Treatments include:

• Sleep apnea surgery
• Surgery for several throat cancers, including:
  • Tonsil cancer
  • Cancer of the larynx
  • Cancer of pharynx

TORS can offer patients a number of advantages in care and cosmetics. The minimally invasive techniques used allow surgeons to insert surgical tools through the mouth instead of making a large incision in your jaw, neck or throat. When compared to open surgery, TORS can:

• Reduce pain and trauma to your body
• Significantly decrease blood loss
• Show no visible scars or facial disfigurement
• Avoid tracheostomies, or an incision in your windpipe that helps you breath
• Preserve normal functions such as swallowing or speech
• Lower your risk of infection post-surgery
• Shorten your hospital stay

How it’s Done

Surgeons insert special surgical tools and a miniature camera through the mouth to reach the desired area. The camera streams a magnified, 3D image from inside your body on a monitor. The image clarity, combined with the extended reach of the da Vinci® Surgical System, can allow the surgeon to better treat head, neck and sleep apnea conditions and increase your possibility of a positive outcome.*

*Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.