Transoral laser microsurgery for the treatment of laryngeal cancer using a 3D-exoscope

Introduction In the last decades, new technological devices and instruments have been developed to overcome the technical limits of transoral laser microsurgery (TOLS). The recent introduction of 3D-exoscopy (3Dex) seems to be a promising tool in the field of diagnostic and operative laryngology as an alternative to the traditional microlaryngoscopy applying an operating microscope (OM).

Materials & Methods We gathered first experiences combining a 3Dex (VITOM®​ 3D, Karl Storz) with a CO2 laser for the treatment of glottic neoplasms two years ago and recently aquired semi-robotic holding and steering element (ARTip Cruise®​, Karl Storz) for the exoscope and an attached CO2-Laser micromanipulator. A series of 3 patients with T1a glottic carcinoma was operated using a 3Dex and key parameters were compared to cases where an OM was applied.

Results Comparison of operation time and oncological results between the 3Dex and OM groups did not reveal significant differences.

Conclusion The smaller viewing system, better ergonomics for the primary surgeon and the assistant and a direct view for the entire surgical team make a 3Dex an interesting alternative for visualization in TOLS.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2024