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Navigating transoral robotic surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2025

Chu Qin Phua ,
Genevieve Lee Open the ORCID record for Genevieve Lee [Opens in a new window] ,
Li-Ang Lee ,
Hsueh-Yu Li ,
Tuan-Jen Fang ,
Ming-Shao Tsai ,
Hsin-Ching Lin ,
Yi-Chan Lee ,
Pon Poh Hsu  and
Song Tar Toh
Chu Qin Phua
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
Genevieve Lee*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
Li-Ang Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Hsueh-Yu Li
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Tuan-Jen Fang
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Ming-Shao Tsai
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
Hsin-Ching Lin
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Yi-Chan Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
Pon Poh Hsu
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
Song Tar Toh
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
*
Corresponding author: Genevieve Lee; Email: genleemin@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objectives

Transoral robotic surgery has gained much recognition in the surgical management of obstructive sleep apnoea, allowing for improved surgical access and precise dissection around the narrow surgical field. However, it is associated with a steeper learning curve and may give rise to significant morbidity especially amongst less experienced surgeons.

Methods

Through a comprehensive literature search, this review summarises patient selection for transoral robotic surgery as well as peri-operative considerations and management.

Results

Apart from technical mastery, successful transoral robotic surgery require for the surgeon to be proficient with navigating the entire care continuum beginning with patient selection to management of post-operative complications.

Conclusion

Transoral robotic surgery remains a promising tool for surgical treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. This review provides an overview of the surgical application of transoral robotic surgery in obstructive sleep apnoea, together with practical guidance for the sleep surgeon.

Keywords

continuing medical educationobstructive sleep apnoearobotic surgical procedures

Information

Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , First View , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Genevieve Lee takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

*

Co-first authors

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