Hackensack University Medical Center First Hospital in New Jersey to Use da Vinci SP® Surgical System to Perform Oropharyngeal Cancer Surgery

Flexible technology allows surgeons to perform less invasive and safer surgeries in small or delicate areas

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center is the first in New Jersey to perform complex oropharyngeal cancer surgeries using the da Vinci SP® Surgical System. The procedures were performed by Brian E. Benson, M.D., interim chair, Department of Otolaryngology at Hackensack University Medical Center. This single port robotic system includes the first fully-wristed da Vinci® endoscope, which allows otolaryngology (ENT) surgeons to easily view the complex anatomy of the throat, tongue and tonsil area.

Dr. Benson was the first ENT surgeon in the U.S. to be certified to use this latest robotic platform. The two procedures are the first of their kind in New Jersey to be performed using the single port technology.

“I cannot overstate how transformative this new technology is,” said Dr. Benson. “The instruments are much better suited for this type of surgery, which is performed in such a small and delicate area, and the camera essentially allows the surgeon to see around corners. This platform is truly revolutionary.”

Oropharyngeal cancer occurs when cancerous cells, usually squamous cell carcinomas, are found in the oropharynx, which includes the soft palate, side and back walls of the throat, tonsils and back one-third of the tongue.

Until now, tumors in these areas have been challenging to reach using minimally invasive or even robotic techniques. The da Vinci SP® Surgical System, the most advanced robotic surgery platform currently available, is specifically suited to operating within the complex anatomy of the throat. The robotic instruments, which are contained in a single cannula, include three fully-wristed, elbowed instruments, as well as the da Vinci® endoscope. This flexible and dexterous technology allows the surgeon to perform a faster, less invasive and safer surgery.

The benefits of the new technology extend to patients as well. Guy Bertola, a 46-year-old teacher and football coach from Lodi, New Jersey, was diagnosed with cancer of the lingual tonsils in May 2019.  His cancer surgery was one of the two procedures performed by Dr. Benson.

According to Mr. Bertola, his recovery has been remarkable. “I was able to speak right after the surgery and was eating, drinking and walking around the next day. I felt no pain. By that weekend, we had friends over for a Memorial Day barbecue. I have been able to resume my life very, very quickly.”

“Having more advanced options for treating these types of cancers is increasingly important,” said Dr. Benson.  “We are seeing a rise in oropharyngeal cancer, largely due to the spread of HPV. The new single port platform is essential to being able to treat these patients in a way that gets them back to their lives more quickly and with less disruption.”

Hackensack University Medical Center established a Center of Excellence for robotic surgery and has the highest volume of urologic robotics procedures in New Jersey. Hackensack University Medical Center was one of only 10 sites in the U.S. selected to launch the new platform in 2018 when it was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain urologic surgical procedures. Now the medical center is breaking new ground as the first in New Jersey to use the platform for oropharyngeal cancer surgeries.

“This latest technology offers significant benefits for both patients and surgeons,” said Michael Stifelman, M.D., chair of Urology and director of Robotic Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center.  “We are committed to taking full advantage of the platform across a range of specialties.”

Dr. Benson has additional ENT cancer surgeries scheduled and he sees tremendous potential in the single port platform. “The single port is able to do cancer surgeries more easily and effectively, and it is definitely versatile enough to accommodate a whole range of other complex ENT surgeries as well.”