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Our Experience—Design and Delivery of a Safe Trans Oral Robotic Programme in the National Health Service (NHS)

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Abstract

Trans oral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive technique for head and neck cancers. It is shown favourable recovery and long-term functionality outcomes compared to traditional treatments. Our department at the Royal Surrey County Hospital implemented a service transformation project for a TORS programme in December 2019. The “plan, do, study and act” (PDSA) quality improvement model was used. This incorporated logistical, training, clinical and financial aspects. Twenty-five patients were selected for oropharyngectomy, tonsillectomy or tongue base resections over a period of 1 year. Patients were matched with similar patients undergoing the same non-robotic procedures. TORS showed an improvement in time required to return to normal diet and time needing regular analgesia. Peri-operative complications were similar in both groups. An improving learning curve was observed over time for console times.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, Russells Hall Hospital, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK

    Jamie Patel

  2. ENT Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK

    Georgina Thompson, Irina Nocivin, Kiran Varadharajan, David Walker & Stephen Derbyshire

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  1. Jamie Patel
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  2. Georgina Thompson
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  3. Irina Nocivin
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  4. Kiran Varadharajan
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  5. David Walker
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  6. Stephen Derbyshire
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Correspondence to Jamie Patel.

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Patel, J., Thompson, G., Nocivin, I. et al. Our Experience—Design and Delivery of a Safe Trans Oral Robotic Programme in the National Health Service (NHS). Indian J Surg 86, 167–171 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03850-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03850-9

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