Robotic surgery for submandibular gland resection through a trans-hairline approach: The first human series and comparison with applicable approaches

Background: Many submandibular gland diseases are treated by surgical intervention. Transcervical surgery results in an obvious cervical scar, whereas the retroauricular approach leaves a scar in the postauricular area. Therefore, robotic submandibular gland resection through a trans-hairline approach is developed to improve postoperative aesthetic outcomes. Methods: From 2012 to 2017, 24 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria and had received submandibular gland resection through the trans-hairline robotic surgery were analyzed. Results: All surgical procedures were successfully performed without conversion and appreciable complications. The incision was completely concealed within the hairs. Treatments of submandibular gland benign or malignant tumors were completed without any positive margins or disease recurrence. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the trans-hairline approach for robotic submandibular gland resection in the first human series. The procedure is applicable to many submandibular gland diseases with complete disease control, and has aesthetic advantages over other robotic surgical approaches.