The Current State of Robotic Surgery in Japan

Abstract

Transoral robotic surgery using the da Vinci surgical system has become a viable treatment options for small primary oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancers. Recently, various clinical trials have been conducted around the world. In addition to its usage in the above field, transoral robotic surgery has also been applied to sleep apnea syndrome treatment and locally advanced cancer dissection with reconstructive surgery. However, despite the fact that roughly 10 years have passed since the introduction of robotic surgery support equipment in Japan, operations in the head and neck area have remained outside of insurance coverage. Last year, approval of the device for head and neck cancer treatment was finally granted, and a training program was established. The number of surgical facilities and cases treated by transoral robotic surgery is now on the rise. It is a promising treatment in Japan, and insurance coverage should be applied promptly. In addition, although the robotic equipment at present is used for laparoscopic surgery, endoscopic type robot is suitable for the head and neck region is expected to be developed in the future. Close attention should be paid to future device development.