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Robotic Head & Neck Surgery Program

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Dr. Zdanski

The Transoral Robotic Head and Neck Surgery program at the University of North Carolina provides the latest in cutting-edge minimally invasive aero digestive tract surgery. The highest volume program in the state, the UNC transoral group offers transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for benign and malignant neoplasms, sleep apnea pediatric airway disorders and salivary stones, as well as transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for aero digestive tract malignancies from the oral cavity to the hypopharynx and larynx.

Our program includes the following:

  • Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) for benign and malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx
  • Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) aerodigestive tract neoplasms of the oropharynx and hypopharynx
  • TORS sleep apnea surgery- including robotic base of tongue reduction
  • Robotic sialolithotomy for submandibular megaliths
  • TORS for pediatric patients

The da Vinci robotic surgery system by Intuitive Surgical is a three dimensional endoscope-based robot with three articulating instrument arms. As the surgeon operates, state-of-the-art robotic and computer technologies scale, filter and seamlessly translate the surgeon’s hand movements into precise micro-movements of the da Vinci instruments. The primary advantage of the system is high definition 3D visualization, flexibility with complex instrument movements in tight spaces, and the ability to access areas of aero digestive tract without incisions or splitting the mandible. This has the potential to reduce surgical morbidity and provide better patient functional outcomes.

By combining the expertise in pediatric otolaryngology and TORS/head and neck surgery we are striving to advance the care of children that need minimally invasive surgery. The UNC Robotics Program is currently seeking patients for selected head and neck cancers, tongue base related obstructive sleep apnea, complex pediatric airway lesions and skull base tumors. For patient referrals call Laura Miller at the Head and Neck Oncology Program at 984-974-8234.