Objective: To describe the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in conjunction with intraoperative localization techniques for removal of challenging upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) foreign bodies.
Methods: Three cases were taken to the operating room for removal of UADT foreign bodies. Two of these cases had previously undergone failed surgery(s). TORS was performed in all 3 cases and intraoperative localization was used in 2 cases.
Results: All foreign bodies were successfully removed.
Conclusion: This case series is the largest-to-date on UADT foreign body removals using TORS. Additionally, the novel use of intraoperative localization techniques in conjunction with TORS is described. Such an approach can facilitate the identification of difficult-to-identify foreign bodies, as well as potentially decreasing operative time, number of operations, and associated morbidity.
Keywords: foreign body removal; intraoperative localization; oropharyngeal surgery; transoral robotic surgery.