Subscribe
By Roan Smith
WRNMMC Office of Command Communications
First-of-its-kind in the Department of Defense (DOD), a surgical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center successfully completed a Transoral Robotic Laryngectomy to remove a patient’s non-functioning larynx—a technique rarely performed worldwide.
The patient’s condition, called chondronecrosis, developed after radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation can reduce blood flow to the larynx cartilage, causing it to die and, in some cases, protrude into the mouth. “The larynx isn’t just the voice box—it’s also a valve that separates breathing from swallowing,” said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael Orestes, the operating surgeon and director for Education, Training and Research. “When it stops working, you can’t breathe or swallow properly, sometimes food or liquid can enter the lungs.”
The complex procedure was performed by using a robotic surgical system to remove the damaged larynx through the mouth rather than a large neck incision. This approach reduces visible scarring, lowers infection risk and shortens recovery times compared to the traditional open surgery.
Worldwide, only a small number of robotic laryngectomies have been reported—roughly 15 cases, mostly in Europe.
“This is the type of procedure that might only be performed a handful of times worldwide in a given year,” said Orestes. “To bring that level of care into the Department of Defense shows our commitment to staying at the forefront of medicine.”
From the moment the case was approved, the operation became a full-team effort. Nurses, anesthesia staff, surgical techs and the robotics team coordinated extensively to prepare the operating room and equipment. “If you’ve ever seen one of these cases, you know the setup is massive — the robot itself, the arms and the instrument set. Everyone knew their role and executed smoothly,” Orestes said.
The patient’s recovery process will include a period without vocal function, followed by the fitting of a speaking valve in six to eight weeks. This device will allow the patient to speak again, restoring an important part of daily communication and quality of life.
As the first facility in the DOD to perform a transoral robotic laryngectomy, Walter Reed is setting a new standard for advanced surgical care in military medicine.
The achievement represents more than just a surgical first for the DOD — it reflects the skill, dedication and innovation that define Walter Reed’s medical teams. Through collaboration, preparation and an unwavering commitment to patient care, the hospital continues to demonstrate why it stands among the nation’s leading centers for complex surg
| Date Taken: | 09.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2025 12:03 |
| Story ID: | 547163 |
| Location: | BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Walter Reed performs DOD’s first Transoral Robotic Laryngectomy, by Roan Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
