Head & Neck Cancer
Innovations in microsurgery technology benefit head & neck and craniomaxillofacial procedures
Head & neck cancer procedures are often invasive, affecting speech, eating, and other vital functions.1 As cancer diagnoses continue to rise, so does demand for microsurgical reconstruction.
Reconstruction of the head and neck after tumor resection or trauma can support the return of function and improve quality of life for patients.* With Symani®, surgeons gain precision and control to perform these complex procedures in an optimized environment.
7
th
most common cancer worldwide1
30
%
annual increase in incidence of head & neck cancer expected by 2030, linked to the rise in HPV-related cancer1
$
3.2
billion is spent in the United States each year on treatment of head and neck cancers2
Advantages of the Symani Surgical System in Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Precision at the micro level
Our proprietary NanoWrist® instruments feature the world’s smallest surgical robotic wrist, designed to replicate the natural movements of the human hand at the micro level with seven degrees of freedom. With tremor filtration and up to 20x motion scaling, surgeons gain unmatched precision. This has the potential to enhance vessel patency, minimize trauma, and reduce the need for costly re-interventions—transforming outcomes in complex procedures.
Access to deep structures
Stable, robotic platform and wristed robotic instruments with 15cm shafts enable access to deep anatomical structures during soft tissue open surgical procedures.
Optimized work environment for challenging and complex procedures
Designed to optimize ergonomics and improve work environment for surgeons, providing needed support during lengthy and complex cases.
Expert Testimonials and Patient Perspectives
Gain firsthand insights from surgeons and patients on the impact of the Symani Surgical System in head & neck reconstruction.
Robotic Precision, Proven Results: The Symani® Clinical Advantage
A growing body of clinical evidence demonstrates the positive impact of Symani in head & neck reconstruction
0
robotic anastomosis revisions
In a study of 93 patients3 compared to 6.12% revision for manual4
50
%
reduction in flap loss
A study of 93 patients undergoing robotic surgery saw a 1.1% flap loss rate3 vs 2.44% flap loss rate for a comparable manual study4
$
61,000
hospital cost per flap loss
Estimated hospital cost of one flap loss is $60,792 USD5
Head & Neck Cancer Resources
Explore our other Clinical Applications
Lymphedema Overview
Lymphedema, the build-up of lymphatic fluid resulting in swelling and discomfort, affects over 250 million people worldwide*. Surgical treatment options may improve the symptoms and overall quality of life for these patients, but access to these treatments is limited. This is mainly due to procedural complexity associated with the size of lymphatic vessels. With 7-20x motion scaling and tremor filtration, the Symani Surgical System is designed to enable supermicrosurgical procedures such as lymphovenous anastomosis or bypass (LVA/LVB).
Breast Cancer
Whether it’s deciding on a reconstructive procedure following mastectomy or dealing with the possibility of developing lymphedema because of their care, patients with breast cancer face a significant uphill battle after their treatment. With Symani, patients can access reconstructive options using their own tissue and the latest technological innovations. For hospitals offering surgical treatment options for lymphedema, they may also be able to prevent or treat the symptoms of lymphedema following their care.
Trauma Overview
Trauma refers to any altering injury sustained through accident or impact like burns, laceration, crush, nerve damage and fractures. Where tissue is lost due to trauma or infection, it may be necessary to perform a reconstructive procedure using transferred tissue or to perform a replantation of an amputated body part with the goal of restoring circulation and sensation, and where possible, function. Symani allows surgeons to confidently perform these procedures with a high degree of precision and accuracy.
Interested in Reimbursement?
Explore how Symani procedures may be eligible for reimbursement and what that means for your practice
INDICATIONS
In the U.S., the Symani Surgical System is intended for soft tissue manipulation to perform anastomosis, suturing, and ligation microsurgery techniques on small blood vessels and lymphatic ducts between 0.1 and 2.5 mm in open free-flap surgery of the breast, mouth, scalp and extremities and open lymphatic surgery of the extremities.
CITATIONS
- Gormley M, et al., Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors. Br Dent J 233, 780–786 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5166-x.
- 50 facts about oral, head and neck cancer. ENT Health. (2019, October 17). https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/50-facts-about-oral-head-and-neck-cancer/
- Spille J, et al., Head and neck free flap reconstruction: A prospective case series with the Symani® Surgical System. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2025.08.009.
- Wieker H, et al., A retrospective analysis of the surgical outcomes of different free vascularized flaps used for the reconstruction of the maxillofacial region: Hand-sewn microvascular anastomosis vs anastomotic coupler device. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2021 Mar;49(3):191-195. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2020.12.015
- Gao LL, et al., Cost-effectiveness of microsurgical reconstruction for head and neck defects after oncologic resection. Head Neck. 2017 Mar;39(3):541-547. doi: 10.1002/hed.24644. Epub 2016 Nov 29. PMID: 27898195.
DISCLAIMER
MMI does not provide medical advice. Only your doctor can determine whether procedures with the Symani Surgical System are appropriate for you.
