Is the robot an instrument or an indication for transoral surgery?

We are writing to express some thoughts on the current trends and limitations associated with the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in oropharyngeal cancer treatment. TORS has emerged as a strategy to minimize the functional consequences and the aesthetic impact while maintaining the oncological outcome of conventional ‘open’ surgical approaches. The oropharynx is currently the primary site for the application of TORS, with the da Vinci robot approved by the FDA for performing radical tonsillectomy and base of tongue resection. Based on its regulatory approval and in accordance with the current NCCN guidelines, TORS is deemed appropriate for early T1-2N0-1 oropharyngeal tumors.