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IFHNOS 2026
First Experience in Asia-Pacific with the Symani Robotic Microsurgical Platform in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

2:30 pm

28 August 2026

Mezzanine M4

Concurrent Session: Reconstruction and Restoring Function Abstracts

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Talk Description

Institution: St Vincents Hospital, Melbourne - Victoria, Australia

First Experience in Asia-Pacific with the Symani Robotic Microsurgical Platform in Head and Neck Reconstruction Aims: To report the first Asia-Pacific experience with the Symani robotic microsurgical platform in head and neck reconstruction, describing early outcomes, technical performance, implementation challenges and potential future applications in a public tertiary hospital. Methodology: A prospective database was maintained for all robotic microsurgical cases performed at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, from September 2024 to March 2026 in a general plastic and reconstructive surgery unit. Case indications, reconstructive sites, type of microsurgical procedure, technical parameters and early postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Institutional ethics approval was obtained. Results: A total of 107 robotic microsurgical cases were performed with Symani, representing 59% of all free flap cases. Thirty-five cases were head and neck reconstructions, representing 30% of the total robotic microsurgical reconstructions. Indications included oral cavity defects (n=17), base of skull (n=4), hypopharynx (n=6), cutaneous defects (n=6), facial nerve procedures (n=4) and orbital exenteration defects (n=3). The platform was used for 35 arterial microanastomoses, 2 venous microanastomoses and 6 facial nerve neurorrhaphies. Mean arterial anastomosis time was 29.1 minutes (range 19.14–40) and mean arterial diameter was 2.3 mm (range 1.3–4.0). One arterial anastomoses and flap failure occurred; there were no other returns to theatre for revision of a microanastomoses. Conclusion: Robotic microsurgery with Symani is feasible and safe in head and neck reconstruction. Our experience indicates that it offers significantly improved technical precision and surgeon ergonomics. Though early days likely future clinical applications include niche areas, dissection and multidisciplinary use.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Edwin Morrison - , Dr Eldon Mah - , Dr Sophie Ricketts - , Dr Damien Grinsell - , Dr Satomi Koide - , Dr James Finkemeyer -