Transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
A minimally invasive robotic technique for selected conditions of the throat and tongue base, reached through the mouth with robotic instruments and high-definition three-dimensional visualisation.
What we treat
- Selected cancers of the tonsils and oropharynx
- Selected cancers of the base of tongue
- Selected benign tumours of the oropharynx and tongue base
- Selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea requiring tongue base surgery
About transoral robotic surgery
TORS offers an alternative surgical approach for selected patients with conditions of the oropharynx and tongue base. The robotic system is controlled entirely by the surgeon and enables precise dissection in areas that are difficult to access with conventional techniques. Depending on the condition, potential benefits include avoiding large external incisions and reducing the need for more extensive open surgery.
Not all patients are suitable for TORS; the decision depends on the location and extent of disease, the patient’s anatomy and the anticipated benefits and risks. For head and neck cancer, TORS is one part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan alongside radiotherapy and systemic therapy. For obstructive sleep apnoea, TORS may be considered, when appropriate, within a comprehensive surgical treatment plan.
Referrals
Public referrals follow St Vincent’s Hospital’s established referral process; the referral form and how to send it are on the St Vincent’s Hospital ENT page. Private referrals go directly to the surgeon’s rooms.
Include relevant imaging, pathology, previous treatment details and clinical findings where available.
Suspected or confirmed cancer: mark the referral URGENT and send it through the hospital’s referral process (St Vincent’s Hospital ENT page). Include clinical findings, imaging, pathology and biopsy results where available; do not delay the referral while awaiting investigations.
For urgent clinical advice or concerns requiring immediate assessment, phone St Vincent’s Hospital switchboard on (02) 8382 1111 and ask for the on-call ENT registrar. Email alone should not be relied on for time-critical concerns.
Our surgeons
The department’s consultant surgeons work across the full breadth of otolaryngology, head and neck and skull base surgery. Each consults publicly through St Vincent’s Hospital and privately in their own rooms.