Robotics in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: Recommendations for training and credentialing: A report of the 2015 AHNS education committee, AAO‐HNS robotic task force and AAO‐HNS sleep disorders committee

Abstract

Training and credentialing for robotic surgery in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery is currently not standardized, but rather relies heavily on industry guidance. This manuscript represents a comprehensive review of this increasingly important topic and outlines clear recommendations to better standardize the practice. The recommendations provided can be used as a reference by individuals and institutions alike, and are expected to evolve over time.

Implementation of a comprehensive competency‐based transoral robotic surgery training curriculum with ex vivo dissection models

“…In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) for smaller tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. Since this time, there has been tremendous enthusiasm for robotic applications within otolaryngology and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been described for treatment of benign and malignant lesions of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, supraglottis, glottis, skull base, and parapharyngeal space …”

“…The current system for the training and credentialing of head and neck robotic surgeons is not regulated, and variable . Furthermore, most institutions rely on industry‐sponsored robotic training programs with inherent conflicts of interest.…”

“…Since this time, there has been tremendous enthusiasm for robotic applications within otolaryngology and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been described for treatment of benign and malignant lesions of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, supraglottis, glottis, skull base, and parapharyngeal space. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] It follows that with the increasing implementation of robotic techniques, training and credentialing of otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons is imperative to standardize patient care and safety. Traditional training methods are no longer applicable.…”

“…The current system for the training and credentialing of head and neck robotic surgeons is not regulated, and variable. 2 Furthermore, most institutions rely on industrysponsored robotic training programs with inherent conflicts Contract grant sponsor: This work was supported by Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery internal funds. A collaborative agreement with Intuitive Surgical with no financial support provided the da Vinci robotic instruments.…”

Submandibular gland resection via the trans‐hairline approach: A preclinical study of a novel flexible single‐port surgical system and the surgical experiences of standard multiarm robotic surgical systems

“…With the introduction of robotic surgery, remarkable progress has been made in the surgical management of the head and neck diseases . Different from conventional transcervical open surgery that results in visible scars in the head and neck, application of robotic surgery with remote accesses eliminates the risks of disfiguration, particularly among patients with high risks of keloid formation, hyperpigmentation, or hyperplasia of scars.…”