What is minimally invasive head and neck surgery?

Minimally invasive head and neck surgery is a highly specialized technique for evaluating, diagnosing and treating benign or cancerous growths located within the head and neck using special instruments inserted through the nose (trans-nasally) and mouth (trans-orally). Traditional head and neck surgery can involve removal of portions of the face and neck musculature to access the area needing treatment. The benefits of minimally invasive head and neck surgery include less risk of infection and damage to facial nerves and muscles, less risk of disfigurement and a shorter recovery time.

What instruments are used during minimally invasive head and neck surgery?

A variety of specially designed, highly flexible fiberoptic endoscopes are used to visualize the area. The surgeon may use traditional surgical instruments and/or lasers to perform the needed procedure through the nose and mouth as well.

Who performs minimally invasive head and neck surgery?

Because the underside of the brain lies directly behind the nose and mouth, a multi-disciplinary team of specially trained surgeons may collaborate to perform minimally invasive head and neck surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, the team may include an otolaryngologist, a neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist. Maxillofacial surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeons may also be consulted as well as pediatric specialists when the surgery involves children.

What conditions can be treated using minimally invasive head and neck surgery?

A partial list of conditions that may be treated and procedures that may be performed using minimally invasive head and neck surgery includes:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy for diagnosing and staging head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the tongue and mouth
• Nasal and paranasal tumors
• Salivary gland tumors
• Soft palate cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Laryngeal tumors
• Pharyngeal tumors
• Zenker’s Diverticulotomy
• Transoral laser surgery
• Precise identification of tumor borders using operating microscope