TORS Robotic Surgery Chennai

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) represents a major advancement in throat cancer treatment. Using the da Vinci Xi robotic system, surgeons can now remove tumors through the mouth with unprecedented precision, eliminating large external incisions. At THANC Hospital Chennai, Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar brings extensive expertise in robotic surgery, having performed India's first TORS-assisted total laryngectomy.

What is TORS Robotic Surgery?

TORS uses the da Vinci Surgical System to access and remove throat tumors through the mouth. The surgeon operates from a console, controlling robotic arms equipped with specialized instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. This provides:

10x Magnification with crystal-clear 3D vision
7 Degrees of Freedom - greater range than the human wrist
Tremor Elimination - computer-stabilized precision movements
Superior Depth Perception for navigating complex anatomy

Who is a Candidate for TORS?

Suitable Conditions

Tonsil cancer and base of tongue tumors
Oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-positive cancers respond excellently)
Early laryngeal cancer (selected cases)
Stage I-III tumors accessible through the mouth

Patient Requirements

Adequate mouth opening for robotic arm access
Fitness for general anesthesia
Tumor location reachable through oral approach

TORS vs Traditional Surgery: Key Differences

Factor	TORS	Traditional Open Surgery
Incisions	None (through mouth)	External neck incisions
Hospital Stay	2-4 days	7-14 days
Return to Work	3-4 weeks	6-12 weeks
Return to Normal Diet	2-3 weeks	4-8 weeks
Scarring	None visible	Visible neck scar
Speech Preservation	90-95% maintain good speech	Higher risk of impairment
Swallowing	90% near-normal function	More significant impact
Blood Loss	Minimal	More
Complication Rates	Lower	Higher

TORS vs Radiation Therapy

For early-stage throat cancers, both TORS and radiation are effective. Here's how they compare:

Factor	TORS	Radiation
Treatment Duration	Single surgery	6-7 weeks daily
Hospital Stay	2-4 days	Outpatient
Long-term Dry Mouth	Rare	Common (permanent)
Taste Changes	Minimal/temporary	Frequent/lasting
Dental Problems	Minimal	Increased risk
Hypothyroidism Risk	Low	Moderate
If Cancer Returns	Radiation available	Re-irradiation difficult

In many early-stage cases, TORS alone may be sufficient, potentially avoiding radiation and its long-term side effects entirely.

The TORS Procedure at THANC Hospital

Pre-Operative Assessment

Comprehensive CT/MRI imaging to map tumor extent
Flexible laryngoscopy examination
Anesthesia fitness evaluation
Detailed discussion of risks and benefits

During Surgery

Duration: Typically 2-4 hours
General anesthesia throughout
Robot positioned at patient's head
Surgeon operates from console with 3D visualization
Tumor removed with precise margins
Specimen sent for pathology confirmation

Post-Operative Recovery

Day 0-1: ICU monitoring, pain management
Day 1-2: Start liquids, begin mobilization
Day 2-4: Soft diet advancement, discharge planning
Week 1-2: Gradual diet progression at home
Week 2-6: Speech and swallowing therapy as needed

Real-World Outcomes

Success Rates

Tumor Control: 85-95% for early-stage cancers
Voice Preservation: 90-95% maintain good speech
Swallowing Function: 90% return to near-normal diet
Quality of Life: Superior to open surgery or radiation alone

Long-Term Benefits

Lower risk of chronic complications
Better long-term swallowing function
Reduced need for feeding tubes
No visible external scars
Radiation remains available if needed later

Potential Complications

Common (Usually Temporary)

Throat pain and discomfort
Temporary difficulty swallowing
Mild taste changes
Tongue numbness (if tongue base involved)

Uncommon (1-2%)

Bleeding requiring intervention
Infection
Temporary feeding tube requirement

Rare

Prolonged swallowing difficulty
Permanent voice changes
Emergency tracheostomy need

Dr. Vidhyadharan's TORS Expertise

Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar brings exceptional credentials in robotic surgery:

Qualifications

MCh (Head & Neck Surgery) - Gold Medal, First Rank
Fellow, Indian College of Robotic Surgeons (FICRS)
Fellow, European Board of Otorhinolaryngology (FEB-ORL HNS)
Advanced robotic surgery training in Australia on da Vinci Xi system

Achievements

India's First TORS-assisted Total Laryngectomy (2022)
Member of World's First Endo-Robotic Surgery Team (2023)
Trained across 8 countries including Australia, Taiwan, Singapore

THANC Hospital Facilities

Latest da Vinci Xi Robotic System
Dedicated robotic surgery OR staff
Comprehensive speech and swallowing therapy
Multidisciplinary oncology coordination

Is TORS Right for You?

If you've been diagnosed with throat, tonsil, or tongue base cancer, TORS may be an excellent option. The ideal time to explore this is during your initial consultation, before starting any treatment.

Questions to Ask

Am I a candidate based on my tumor location and stage?
Would TORS alone be sufficient, or will I need radiation?
What are the expected functional outcomes for my specific case?
How many TORS procedures has my surgeon performed?

Ready to explore if TORS is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Vidhyadharan at THANC Hospital, Chennai.

Phone: +91 44 4074 2000 Location: THANC Hospital, 747 Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600010

References

O'Malley BW Jr, et al. "Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): a new approach to upper airway lesions." The Laryngoscope, 2006.
Weinstein GS, et al. "Transoral robotic surgery: a multicenter study to assess feasibility, safety, and surgical margins." The Laryngoscope, 2007.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). "Head and Neck Cancers." NCCN Guidelines, 2024.
American Cancer Society. "Throat Cancer Treatment Options." 2024.
Genden EM, et al. "Transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer: a prospective review." Head & Neck, 2011.
Cleveland Clinic. "Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)." 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TORS robotic surgery?

TORS (Transoral Robotic Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical technique using the da Vinci robot to remove throat tumors through the mouth. It offers enhanced precision, 3D visualization, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

What cancers can TORS treat?

TORS effectively treats tonsil cancer, base of tongue cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, early laryngeal cancer, and HPV-positive throat cancers. The tumor must be accessible through the mouth for TORS to be suitable.

What are the benefits of TORS over traditional surgery?

TORS offers no external scars, shorter hospital stay (2-4 days vs 7-14), faster recovery (3-4 weeks vs 6-12 weeks), better speech and swallowing preservation, reduced pain, and potentially avoiding radiation therapy in early-stage cancers.

How long is recovery after TORS surgery?

Most TORS patients return home in 2-4 days and resume normal activities in 3-4 weeks. Some temporary throat soreness and swallowing difficulty is normal. Speech therapy helps optimize recovery.

What is the cost of TORS surgery in Chennai?

TORS surgery in Chennai costs approximately INR 4-8 lakhs depending on tumor complexity, hospital stay, and individual needs. THANC Hospital provides detailed estimates after consultation.

Who is the best TORS surgeon in Chennai?

Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar at THANC Hospital is a leading TORS expert in Chennai. He performed India's first TORS-assisted total laryngectomy (2022) and is fellowship-trained in robotic surgery with extensive international training.

Is TORS covered by insurance in India?

Many insurance policies cover TORS for cancer treatment. Coverage varies by provider and policy. THANC Hospital's team assists with insurance pre-authorization and documentation.

How does TORS compare to radiation therapy?

For early-stage throat cancer, TORS offers single surgery vs 6-7 weeks of daily radiation. TORS avoids radiation side effects like permanent dry mouth, taste changes, and dental problems. Radiation remains available as backup if needed after TORS.

What are the risks of TORS surgery?

Common temporary effects include throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Uncommon risks (1-2%) include bleeding and infection. Rare complications include prolonged swallowing difficulty or voice changes. Overall complication rates are lower than traditional surgery.

Am I a candidate for TORS?

TORS is suitable for early to moderate stage (I-III) throat tumors that are accessible through the mouth. You need adequate mouth opening and fitness for general anesthesia. A consultation with Dr. Vidhyadharan will determine your candidacy.

Where is TORS available in Chennai?

TORS is available at THANC Hospital (The Head and Neck Centre & Hospital), 747 Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600010. Call +91 44 4074 2000 for appointments.

What is the success rate of TORS?

TORS achieves 85-95% tumor control for early-stage throat cancers. Over 90% of patients maintain good speech and return to near-normal swallowing. Long-term quality of life outcomes are superior to traditional approaches.