Feasibility of transoral robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi system for oropharyngeal cancer and obstructive sleep apnea in low-volume center.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a common surgical approach for the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions of the oropharynx. While the newer da Vinci Xi platform has largely replaced the previous Si model in many institutions, the reported outcomes with this system in head and neck surgery are limited. We report the feasibility of using the da Vinci Xi platform for managing oropharyngeal cancer and obstructive sleep apnea in a low-volume center.

Anatomic-Based Technique for Sensing Lead Placement in Hypoglossal Stimulator Implantation.

Placement of the sensing lead can be challenging in obese and Down syndrome patients. This article presents an alteration in technique for its placement for these patient populations. Laryngoscope, 135:948-951, 2025.

Aerodigestive clinic reduces emergency department and primary care utilization and increases access to ancillary and specialty care.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aerodigestive clinic (ADC) on healthcare utilization.

Study Design: Retrospective quality improvement project; before and after.

Setting: The ADC at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, HI.

Utilization of Silicone Sheet as a Protective Guide During Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Surgery.

This article presents a simple technique where a silicone sheet is used during transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to protect the upper airway structures from thermal damage during a base of tongue procedure. We review 10 cases of TORS tongue base reduction with the use of this technique, with no complications and with reduction of thermal damage to the lingual epiglottis and surrounding pharyngeal wall. Furthermore, it served as a guide during tongue base dissection to provide visual and tactile feedback to the inferior limit of resection, as well as to protect the endotracheal tube.

Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective is to determine if apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improve after transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty (TPAP) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults, using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nine databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, were searched through April 1, 2016. All studies that included patients who underwent TPAP alone were included in this analysis.