Transoral laser microsurgery

Transoral laser microsurgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery used by several medical centers, including the Advent Health Cancer Institute , Orlando Florida (Advent Health Celebration) and Mayo Clinic to remove small and medium tumors through the mouth. It's selectively used for larger tumors. Transoral laser microsurgery allows surgeons to remove tumors from the voice box with no external incisions and is especially applied to HPV-mediated oropharynx malignancy (tonsils, base of tongue) It also allows access to tumors that are not reachable with robotic surgery and is significantly conserving of normal tissue.

A microscope helps the surgeon clearly view the deep and perimeter margins of the tumor, ensuring complete clearance of the tumor and minimizing the amount of normal tissue removed or damaged during surgery. A CO2 laser is used for removing the tumor with high precision so that the pathologist can evaluate the margin status at the edge of the surgical specimen. The laser leaves a particularly "light" surgical foot print in the patient's throat tissues. This technique helps give the patient as much speech and swallowing function as possible after surgery. TLM is also , by published evidence , the best technique for discovering unknown primary tumors of the throat and larynx area, and removing them. [1][2][3]