Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of lingual tonsillitis. When conventional therapies fail

Background: Lingual tonsillitis is an underestimated but serious health problem. This paper describes the feasibility and efficacy of the trans-oral robotic surgical approach in cases of lingual tonsillitis. Materials and Methods: From February 2012 to April 2014, 10 patients affected by lingual tonsillitis resistant to medical treatments underwent transoral robotic lingual tonsillectomy at the authors' Institution. Results: The surgical robotic procedure was completed in all cases and there was no need to change the operative approach once started. The mean set-up time was 13.25.2min, while mean operating time was 28 +/- 12min. The mean amount of tissue removed was 16.5 +/- 13cm(3). No major intra-operative and post-operative complications were registered. After 15.2 +/- 12months of follow-up, no relapses were reported and patients did not complain of any further symptoms. Conclusion: Lingual tonsillitis seems to be safely and effectively managed by trans-oral robotic surgery. The data are encouraging and worthy of further evaluation.