Written by Gregory Weinstein
This was an introductory lecture of the value of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) utilizing the da Vinci Surgical system. The lecture reviewed how the techniques were developed at the University of Pennsylvania Health System by Dr. Bert W. O’Malley, Jr. MD and Dr. Gregory S. Weinstein, M.D. The indications and rationale for use of the procedures were discussed. The postgraduate training system at the University of Pennsylvania was described. Finally, the data showing the particular value of TORS in the treatment of HPV related to oropharyngeal carcinoma was presented.