The Development of Minimum Invasive Laser and Robot Larynx Cancer Surgery

Minimal invasive laryngeal cancer surgery was introduced in the 1970s with the CO2 Laser. Initially described by American authors, this technique carried out by the endoscopic transoral was then developed and codified by European and American authors. It allows resections of vocal cord cancers (cordectomy) and supraglottic larynx (supraglottic laryngectomy) to be performed with oncological results comparable to those obtained by partial laryngectomy by external approach and better results in terms of functional outcomes and quality of life. The use of the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical ©) in Head & Neck cancer allows minimal invasive surgeries, particularly on the supraglottic larynx. Originally described by American authors, European authors reported the most important series of robot-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy. Several studies published in selected patients have shown oncological results at least equivalent to those of open surgical or to radio-chemotherapy protocols with better functional outcomes (fewer tracheotomies and shorter hospital stay), faster rehabilitation swallowing and a significantly improved quality of life.