Robotically assisted selective neck dissection in parotid gland cancer: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Robot-assisted neck dissection (ND) in head and neck cancer patients has been demonstrated to be feasible. We hypothesized that surgery for parotid cancer could be achieved via a gasless modified facelift approach using the robotic system. We intended to evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted selective ND (SND) via a modified facelift (MFL) approach in parotid gland cancer. STUDY DESIGN Case series. METHODS Primary tumor resection with robotic SND I-III via MFL was performed in five patients with parotid gland cancer. RESULTS All cases of robot-assisted SND I-III combined with primary tumor resection were successfully conducted without any significant intraoperative complication, applying additional incision or conversion to open conventional ND. The amount and duration of drainage, hospital stay, retrieved lymph nodes, and complications were generally acceptable. The postoperative scar was able to be completely hidden by the auricle and hair. CONCLUSIONS Robotically assisted surgery via an MFL approach is a feasible and useful method, with excellent cosmetic results for the surgical treatment in selected cases of parotid gland cancer.