What is Robotic Head & Neck Surgery?

Robotic Head & Neck Surgery, especially Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), is a minimally invasive approach designed to treat certain tumors in the mouth and throat with greater precision and reduced recovery time. Unlike traditional open surgeries that require large incisions and can impact surrounding structures, TORS allows surgeons to access tumors through the mouth using robotic arms and 3D visualization. These instruments offer exceptional precision and flexibility, allowing Dr. Basheeth to remove tumors while preserving key structures responsible for speech, swallowing, and appearance. This leads to less pain, faster recovery, and significantly reduced post-operative complications.

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Patients undergoing robotic head and neck surgery with Dr. Basheeth can expect numerous benefits over conventional techniques. Since the procedure is performed transorally, there are no visible scars, and trauma to surrounding tissues is minimized. The advanced technology allows for precise targeting and removal of tumors, often eliminating the need for tracheostomy or feeding tubes. Patients also experience less bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and a quicker return to normal functions such as talking, eating, and swallowing. The recovery process is typically faster and less painful, with most individuals resuming their daily activities sooner than expected.

Understanding Head & Neck Robotic SurgeryWhy Might You Need Robotic Surgery?

As we age or develop specific health conditions, tumors and growths can sometimes arise in challenging areas of the throat or voice box. Traditional approaches to remove these tumors often involve long recovery

periods and visible incisions. Robotic surgery offers a modern solution that not only targets the disease but also protects the patient’s appearance and quality of life. This is especially important for cancers of the oropharynx, early-stage laryngeal cancers, and benign tumors of the tongue base or throat.

“Dr. Basheeth’s robotic surgery saved my voice and quality of life. His meticulous and skilled approach truly made a remarkable difference!”

Head & Neck Patient, New Zealand

Robotic Procedure Explained

On the day of surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia for complete comfort. A small mouth retractor is used to gently open and maintain access to the surgical area, allowing optimal exposure without external incisions. The robotic console is then positioned, providing Dr. Basheeth with magnified 3D visualization and full control of ultra-fine robotic instruments.

With this advanced setup, Dr. Basheeth performs the tumor resection with exceptional precision, carefully navigating around delicate structures such as blood vessels and nerves. This meticulous approach helps minimize complications, preserve critical functions like speech and swallowing, and enhance recovery outcomes. The entire procedure typically lasts between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients are able to return home within one to two days following surgery, thanks to the minimally invasive nature of robotic techniques.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for TORS?

Transoral Robotic Surgery is best suited for individuals with early-stage cancers or benign tumors affecting the throat, tonsils, or base of the tongue. These patients typically desire a less invasive option that minimizes cosmetic and functional damage. Dr. Basheeth will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine your eligibility for robotic surgery, considering factors such as tumor location, overall health, and the anticipated benefits of a robotic approach. Generally, candidates are in good physical condition and are seeking to preserve their ability to speak and swallow with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Recovery and Expected Outcomes

Recovery from robotic head and neck surgery is typically much faster than with traditional approaches. While some throat discomfort, mild pain, or temporary swallowing difficulties are expected, these usually resolve within a few days to a week. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated and follow a soft diet during the early recovery phase. Most people can resume

speaking and light activity within a week and return to full activity shortly thereafter. With Dr. Basheeth’s precise technique, the functional and cosmetic outcomes are excellent, and the long-term prognosis for early-stage cancers is highly favorable. Unlike open surgery, robotic techniques significantly reduce the need for tracheostomies and feeding tubes. Patients also benefit from less scarring, reduced hospital stays, and quicker return to normal routines.

Dr. Basheeth provides detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing. Voice quality, swallowing, and facial function are carefully monitored throughout recovery. Most importantly, patients experience fewer complications and a much-improved quality of life following successful robotic surgery.

Types of Robotic Head & Neck Surgery

Robotic head and neck surgery encompasses a range of advanced procedures designed to treat conditions that are otherwise difficult to access using traditional surgical approaches. With Dr. Naveed Basheeth’s expertise in robotic techniques, patients benefit from greater surgical precision, minimal scarring, faster recovery, and excellent functional outcomes. Each approach is carefully selected based on the nature and location of the condition.

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)

Transoral Robotic Surgery, or TORS, is a minimally invasive technique that allows for the removal of tumors located deep within the throat, including the base of the tongue, tonsils, and voice box. By accessing the surgical site through the mouth, TORS eliminates the need for external incisions, preserving cosmetic appearance and reducing trauma. It is most commonly used for early-stage oropharyngeal cancers and has shown excellent results in both cancer control and functional recovery.

Robotic Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

For patients requiring thyroid or parathyroid gland removal, robotic techniques offer a cosmetic advantage by avoiding incisions on the front of the neck. Instead, Dr. Basheeth performs these procedures using hidden access points such as the underarm or behind the ear. This scarless approach, combined with robotic precision, allows for safe removal of diseased glands with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.

Robotic Neck Dissection

In cases where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, robotic-assisted neck dissection can be performed to remove affected tissue while minimizing visible scarring and preserving vital anatomical structures. This method is particularly beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers who require lymph node clearance but also value postoperative cosmetic outcomes.

Robotic Skull Base and Salivary Gland Surgery

Complex conditions involving the skull base or obstructed salivary ducts often require access to deep or narrow anatomical spaces. Robotic surgery allows for high-definition, magnified visualization and delicate dissection in these challenging areas. Dr. Basheeth applies robotic precision to safely remove tumors or perform delicate reconstructions, all while protecting nerves, vessels, and vital functions.

Robotic Surgery FAQ

Is robotic surgery safe?

Will I have any visible scars?

How long is the recovery period?

Can robotic surgery be used for large or complex tumors?

Is this procedure available in New Zealand?

Is robotic surgery safe?

Yes. In the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Basheeth, robotic surgery is both safe and effective, offering outcomes equal to or better than traditional surgery with fewer side effects.

Will I have any visible scars?

No. Since the surgery is performed through the mouth, there are no visible external scars.

How long is the recovery period?

Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days and return to soft foods within a week. Full recovery usually occurs within 2–3 weeks.

Can robotic surgery be used for large or complex tumors?

TORS is best suited for smaller, well-positioned tumors. Larger or more invasive growths may still require traditional surgical methods or combined treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.

Is this procedure available in New Zealand?

Yes. Dr. Basheeth is one of the few ENT specialists in New Zealand trained in robotic head and neck surgery and currently offers this advanced procedure at ENT Central.

Why Choose Dr. Naveed Basheeth?

Dr. Naveed Basheeth is internationally trained in robotic, microvascular, and minimally invasive ENT surgery. With qualifications from India, Ireland, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, he brings a wealth of experience to every patient case. His advanced fellowship in Robotic Head & Neck Surgery ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care using the latest surgical techniques. Dr. Basheeth’s focus is not just on treating disease but on preserving the patient’s quality of life through careful, patient-centered care. His thorough, compassionate approach, combined with surgical precision, makes him a trusted name in head and neck care throughout New Zealand.

Referral Pathway: We provide online consultations within two weeks of referral for out-of-town residents. Relevant investigations, radiological and laboratory, can be undertaken in the patient's city. Private and outsourced referrals can be sent to: admin@entcentral.co.nz (347) 557-8368.
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