Robotic Surgery

Transoral Robotic Surgery

Advancements in technology have led to the development of transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The da Vinci robot allows precise removal of tumours and significantly better access through the mouth, resulting in fewer and less severe side effects than seen with traditional surgery.

I completed my TORS training in the United States in 2011 and introduced the first transoral robotic surgery (TORS) program in NSW at St Vincent’s Hospital in November that same year. Since then I have performed over 250 transoral robotic cases and I am one of the busiest da Vinci TORS surgeons in the world.

Despite the introduction of less invasive procedures such as TORS, transoral laser surgery, and endoscopic skull base surgery, there remains a necessary role for open surgical approaches to head and neck disease and cancer. I perform approximately 100 neck dissections per year.

Operating Numbers

Procedure Private Public Total
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) 265 36 301
Neck Dissection 812 531 1343
Laryngectomy 143 110 253
Cricotracheal Resection 67 21 88
Parotid Surgery 354 137 491
Thyroid Surgery 215 58 273
Microlaryngoscopy 1864 608 2472
Craniofacial Resection 27 18 45
Maxillectomy 99 49 148

Throat Cancers And Robotic Access

Advantages of Transoral Robotic Surgery