Is there a role for ultrasonic surgery in transoral laryngeal cancer resections?

Is there a role for ultrasonic surgery in transoral laryngeal cancer resections? Expert Rev Med Devices. 2019 Mar 19;: Authors: Tirelli G, Gardenal N, Gatto A, Bonini P, Tofanelli M, Fernández-Fernández MM Abstract INTRODUCTION: Minimally-invasive surgery for laryngeal cancer is nowadays the goal of all larynx surgeons. Transoral laser microsurgery is a widespread and standardized technique that has made it possible to reduce surgical morbidities, hospitalization and to spare laryngeal function. Nonetheless, it has some limitations, which may be exceeded by using new optical and cutting devices as in TransOral UltraSonic Surgery. Areas Covered: The aim of this paper is to identify current knowledge about Ultrasonic Scalpel (US) application in transoral laryngeal surgery and to deduce reasonable indications and contraindications of the tool. Expert commentary: Transoral laryngeal surgery with US is feasible and allows for "angulated" dissections with higher hemostatic capacity than CO2 laser. When coupled with an endoscope, surgeons have the possibility to angulate the laryngeal exposure from the inside, reducing blind areas. Nonetheless, US blades are quite bulky, thermal damage is higher than that produced by CO2 laser, and its use should be avoided where the functional result is more closely related to the amount of resected tissue. Tumors limited to the suprahyoid larynx are the current indications for US surgery. PMID: ...
Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices - Category: Medical Devices Tags: Expert Rev Med Devices Source Type: research