Robotic ENT and Head & Neck Surgery with the da Vinci Xi at Bumrungrad

 
Head and neck surgery is essential for treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions, from benign salivary gland tumors and thyroid nodules to malignant cancers such as tonsil, tongue base, laryngeal, and nasopharyngeal cancers. These conditions affect vital functions such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking and often have a major impact on a patient’s quality of life.
 
At Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Robotic Surgery Center, the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgical system brings a new era of precision and minimally invasive treatment. Surgeons gain enhanced dexterity, tremor-free control, and magnified 3D visualization, enabling delicate procedures in hard-to-reach areas while sparing vital nerves and tissues. The benefits are clear: smaller incisions, faster recovery, less pain, and better outcomes.
 

What Is the da Vinci Xi Surgical System?

The da Vinci Xi enhances rather than replaces the surgeon’s skills.

• Surgeon Console: Provides a 3D high-definition, magnified view of the anatomy, with every hand movement translated into precise robotic motions.
• Patient Cart: Robotic arms with wristed instruments bend and rotate beyond the natural range of human hands, improving dexterity in narrow spaces.
• Vision Cart: Integrates advanced imaging and communication, giving the surgical team a detailed real-time view.

 
With 360-degree articulation and tremor filtration, the system enables accurate tumor removal while protecting nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues.
 

Comparing Surgical Approaches

 

Feature	Open Surgery	Endoscopic Surgery	Robotic Surgery (da Vinci Xi)
Incision size	Large, visible scars	Small, limited	Small, hidden incisions, intraoral (no incision)
Surgeon’s view	Direct but restricted	2D camera	3D HD, magnified up to 10x
Instrument movement	Limited by hand	Rigid, restricted	Robotic arms with 360-degree wrist-like motion
Access to deep areas	Difficult	Limited	Excellent access to hard-to-reach anatomy
Blood loss	Higher	Moderate	Minimal
Pain after surgery	Significant	Reduced	Reduced
Hospital stay	Longer (7–10 days)	Shorter (3–5 days)	Shortest (1–3 days)
Recovery time	Weeks to months	Several weeks	Faster return to daily life
Functional outcomes (speech, swallowing, nerve preservation)	Often compromised	Improved	Good functional outcome

 

Conditions Treated with Robotic ENT and Head & Neck Surgery

 

Benign Conditions

• Salivary gland tumors – removed safely while protecting facial nerves.
• Benign thyroid nodules – treated with improved cosmetic results.
• Congenital neck masses – excised with a hidden scar, improving cosmetic results

 

Malignant Conditions

• Tonsil cancer – precision surgery that preserves swallowing and speech.
• Base of tongue cancer – enhanced access to difficult anatomical regions.
• Laryngeal cancer – improved accuracy in cancer resection
• Nasopharyngeal cancer – an option for select patients not responding to radiation or with residual tumor

 

Benefits of Robotic ENT Surgery with the da Vinci Xi

• Superior precision – every movement is scaled and tremor-free.
• Magnified visualization – 3D HD views of nerves, vessels, and tissues.
• Smaller incisions – less pain, less blood loss, and hidden scars.
• Preservation of vital functions – protects speech, swallowing, and appearance.
• Faster recovery – shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily life.
• Improved outcomes – precise tumor removal with reduced recurrence risks.

 

Why Choose Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center?

Since 2016, Bumrungrad has been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery in Thailand and Asia. The Robotic Surgery Center combines:

• A multidisciplinary team of ENT surgeons, oncologists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation experts.
• State-of-the-art da Vinci Xi technology for safer, more precise surgery.
• Personalized, patient-centered care that focuses on both treatment and quality of life.

 
At Bumrungrad, robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Xi is more than an operation - it is a pathway back to health, dignity, and hope.

 

FAQ

1. What is ENT robotic surgery?
It is a minimally invasive approach using the da Vinci Xi to treat ENT and head and neck conditions. The system provides enhanced dexterity, visualization, and precision, making complex surgeries safer and more effective.
 
2. Which conditions can be treated with robotic ENT surgery?
Benign tumors such as salivary gland tumors, thyroid nodules, and congenital neck masses, as well as cancers of the tonsil, tongue base, larynx, and nasopharynx.
 
3. How does robotic surgery compare with traditional methods?
Robotic surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and better preservation of vital functions than open or standard endoscopic surgery.
 
4. Why choose Bumrungrad for ENT robotic surgery?
Bumrungrad Robotic Surgery Center brings together world-class surgeons, the latest robotic technology, and compassionate care to deliver the highest standard of treatment in Asia.