Minimally Invasive Head & Neck Surgery

Treatment Details

Involves various approaches, including Endoscopy and Robotics, to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, larynx, and skull base.

Endoscopic Head & Neck Surgery

Endoscopic head and neck surgery is a minimally invasive approach to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, and larynx. This technique utilises a thin, flexible endoscope with a high-definition camera, allowing surgeons to visualise and operate on deep-seated structures without external incisions. Common conditions treated with endoscopic surgery include chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, benign and malignant tumours, vocal cord disorders, and skull base tumours. Avoiding large incisions reduces surgical trauma, minimises scarring, and promotes faster recovery with fewer complications.

Below are the key services offered:

  • Transnasal Endoscopic Nasal Mass Excision / Endoscopic maxillectomy: Removal of tumors / cancers in the nose and sinuses along with maxilla removal using endoscopes
  • Transnasal Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Surgery: Removal of skull base tumours and sinuses through the nasal cavity with high precision, often avoiding the need for open surgery.
  • Endoscopic Laser Microsurgery: Precise removal of vocal cord lesions, improving voice quality while preserving laryngeal function.
  • Endoscopic Airway Surgery: Treatment of airway narrowing and obstructive sleep apnea to enhance breathing.
  • Transoral Endoscopic Tumour Resection: Minimally invasive removal of benign and malignant growths involving oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx.
  • Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy: Removal of mass from the nasopharynx with minimally invasive approach and reducing the morbidity
  • Intraoperative Navigation-Guided Surgery: Enhanced precision in complex head and neck procedures.
  • Postoperative Recovery & Rehabilitation: Faster healing with specialised therapy for speech and breathing.
     

Robotic Head & Neck Surgery

Robotic head and neck surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive technique that allows for high-precision surgical interventions in complex anatomical regions. Using a robotic-assisted system, surgeons can access deep-seated tumours and lesions in areas such as the oropharynx, larynx, thyroid, and skull base with enhanced dexterity and visualisation. 

This approach mainly benefits in treating oropharyngeal cancers and laryngeal cancers. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic techniques minimise blood loss, reduce tissue damage, and enhance functional outcomes, leading to faster recovery and improved quality of life.

The robotic system provides a 3D high-definition view, tremor-free movement, and multi-angle articulation, enabling precise removal of tumours while preserving critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels. At Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, robotic head and neck surgeries are performed using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring safer and more effective treatments with minimal downtime.

Below are the key services offered:

  • Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): Minimally invasive removal of oropharyngeal and laryngeal tumours.
  • Robotic Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery: Scar-free approach by avoiding neck incisions for thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
  • Robot-assisted Skull Base Surgery: This is the precise removal of tumours near the skull base with robotic transnasal or transoral approaches, reducing postoperative complications.
  • Robotic Airway Surgery: Treatment for airway obstructions and sleep apnea with improved precision.
  • Robot-assisted Laryngeal Surgery: Preservation of vocal function while removing tumours for patients with vocal cord lesions or laryngeal tumours.
  • Reconstructive Robotic Surgery: Enhanced cosmetic and functional outcomes in post-cancer reconstructions.
  • Enhanced Postoperative Recovery: Faster healing, reduced pain, and quicker return to normal activities.

Laser-Assisted Surgeries

CO Laser Surgery

CO₂ laser surgery is an exact, minimally invasive technique for treating various head and neck conditions. The carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser emits an intense beam of infrared light, allowing for precise cutting, vaporisation, and coagulation of soft tissues with minimal damage to surrounding structures. 

CO₂ laser surgery is widely used in managing laryngeal lesions, including vocal cord polyps, nodules, papillomas, and early-stage laryngeal cancers. It also effectively treats oral and pharyngeal lesions, leukoplakia, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. It offers significant advantages over conventional surgical methods, including reduced bleeding, minimal postoperative pain, and faster healing. The precision of the CO₂ laser makes it particularly beneficial for delicate structures like the vocal cords, where preserving function is crucial.

Below are the key services offered:

  •  Laser Microlaryngeal Surgery: Treatment of vocal cord nodules, polyps, and papillomas with high precision.
  • CO Laser for Early Laryngeal Cancer: Minimally invasive removal of early-stage malignancies with voice preservation.
  • Oral Cavity & Pharyngeal Lesions: Targeted laser excision of leukoplakia, tumours, and soft tissue growths.
  • Airway Laser Surgery: This is the Precise removal of obstructive lesions to improve breathing.
  • Laser-Assisted Tumour Resection: This is a minimally invasive approach for head and neck tumours with reduced scarring.
  • Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Treatment: Effective laser therapy for recurrent airway papillomas.
  • Hemangioma & Vascular Lesion Removal: Non-invasive laser treatment for vascular malformations.
  • Postoperative Voice & Airway Rehabilitation: Specialised therapy to restore voice and breathing functions.

Diode Laser Surgery

Diode laser surgery is a minimally invasive technique used in the treatment of various head and neck conditions, offering precise tissue ablation with minimal damage to surrounding structures. The diode laser emits a focused beam of infrared light, which soft tissues absorb, allowing for controlled cutting, coagulation, and vaporisation. 

Diode laser technology is widely used to treat benign and malignant oral tumours, vascular lesions, and soft tissue abnormalities. It is particularly beneficial for procedures like frenectomy, where excess tissue in the tongue or lips is removed to improve speech and swallowing. Compared to traditional surgical methods, diode laser surgery results in less postoperative pain, faster healing, and lower infection risks, making it a preferred choice for both benign and malignant conditions.

Below are the key services offered:

  •  Laser-assisted oral tumour excision is the minimally invasive removal of benign and malignant growths.
  • Frenectomy & Soft Tissue Recontouring: Precise tissue removal to enhance speech and swallowing functions.
  • Diode Laser Laryngeal Surgery: Treatment of vocal cord lesions with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Vascular Lesion Coagulation: Effective laser therapy for hemangiomas and other vascular malformations.
  • Salivary Gland Duct Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques for duct obstruction and related conditions.
  • Pain-Free Gingival Surgery: Soft tissue management in dental and periodontal treatments.
  • Laser Treatment for Oral Leukoplakia: Targeted removal of pre-cancerous lesions to prevent malignancy.
  • Minimally Invasive Airway Surgery: Precise laser application to remove obstructions and improve breathing.

KTP Laser Surgery

KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) laser surgery is a specialised technique for precise tissue ablation, coagulation, and vaporisation in head and neck conditions. This laser operates at a wavelength of 532 nm, which is strongly absorbed by haemoglobin, making it highly effective for vascular lesions and soft tissue procedures with minimal bleeding. 

It is widely used for treating benign and malignant laryngeal lesions, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and vascular anomalies. The precision of KTP laser surgery results in reduced postoperative swelling, faster healing, and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgical methods.

Below are the key services:

  • Laser-Assisted Vocal Cord Surgery: This is the Precise removal of polyps, nodules, and early-stage cancers while preserving voice quality.
  • Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Treatment: Targeted destruction of papillomas in the airway with minimal tissue damage.
  • Vascular Lesion Management: Effective treatment of hemangiomas and other blood vessel abnormalities.
  • KTP Laser for Oral & Pharyngeal Lesions: Minimally invasive excision of benign and malignant growths.
  • Voice-Preserving Glottic Cancer Treatment: Bloodless tumour removal with enhanced vocal cord preservation.
  • Laser-Assisted Airway Surgery: Non-invasive management of airway obstructions and stenosis.
  • Minimally Invasive Laryngeal Procedures: Reduced postoperative complications with faster healing times.
  • Aesthetic & Functional Soft Tissue Procedures: Precision laser applications for improved surgical outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of head and neck cancer?

Early signs may include persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, lumps in the neck, non-healing mouth ulcers, breathing difficulty, blood stained nasal discharge or unexplained weight loss. The symptoms will depend on the site of cancer. If you notice these symptoms for over two weeks, seek medical evaluation immediately.

How long does recovery take after head and neck surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and overall health. Minor procedures may take 2-3 days, while major resection surgeries may require 5-7 days. Rehabilitation—personalised post-operative care, including speech and swallowing therapy—aids faster recovery.

Can head and neck conditions be treated without surgery?

Some conditions can be managed with medication, voice therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Minimally invasive techniques, such as laser or robotic-assisted procedures, may also be an option. A specialist will determine the best approach based on the diagnosis.

Are head and neck disorders preventable?

Many conditions can be prevented by avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure, maintaining good oral hygiene, and vaccinating against HPV. Regular screenings and early detection prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.

When should I see a specialist for voice or swallowing issues?

If you experience hoarseness, persistent throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or frequent choking for over two weeks, consult a specialist. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes with appropriate therapy or treatment.