How I do it article
Development of a transoral robotic surgery program in Canada
1 Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
2 London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON, Canada
3 Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
4 Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
5 Department of Pathology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
6 Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
7 Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Victoria hospital, London Health Science Centre, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2013, 42:8 doi:10.1186/1916-0216-42-8
Published: 1 February 2013Abstract
Due to significant differences in healthcare structure between the United States and Canada, there are unique barriers to adopting new medical technology in Canada. In this article, we describe our experience developing a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) program at Western University. Specifically, we outline the steps that were necessary to obtain institutional and multidisciplinary team approval, financial support, as well as surgeon and allied healthcare personnel training. This experience can potentially be used as a roadmap for other Canadian institutions pursuing a TORS program.
