Chennai: A 52-year-old woman from Chennai, who had been experiencing persistent throat pain, painful swallowing, and nagging neck discomfort for nearly a year, has found lasting relief following a robotic-assisted surgery at MGM Healthcare.
She was diagnosed with bilateral glossopharyngeal neuralgia due to Eagle’s syndrome—a rare condition where elongated styloid processes in the neck press against the glossopharyngeal nerve. Despite visiting multiple hospitals and trying various treatments, her symptoms remained unresolved until advanced imaging helped accurately identify the root cause.
Doctors at MGM Healthcare performed transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive procedure carried out through the mouth using robotic assistance. This allowed for the precise removal of the elongated styloid bones without external incisions or disturbing nearby tissues, such as the tonsils or major blood vessels. The patient experienced a significant reduction in pain within hours, her swallowing difficulties resolved, and she was discharged within 48 hours without complications.
A Complex Condition, Managed Minimally
In most cases, treating Eagle’s Syndrome involves traditional surgery through external approaches or tonsil removal to access the parapharyngeal space. However, using TORS, surgeons could safely reach and remove the bone compressing the nerve while preserving surrounding structures. This not only minimized surgical trauma but also led to faster recovery.
The procedure was led by Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery at MGM Healthcare. He explained:
“After thorough evaluation and imaging, we diagnosed the patient with bilateral glossopharyngeal neuralgia caused by elongated styloid bones. Using the robotic system, we could operate in deep, narrow areas of the neck with precision that conventional methods do not offer. The result was a successful removal of the bone while preserving vital structures and ensuring a smoother recovery.”
Expanding the Role of TORS
While TORS is commonly used in removing tumors of the mouth and throat, its use for treating a non-tumor condition like Eagle’s Syndrome is relatively rare, with only a few such cases reported globally. This case highlights the expanding potential of robotic surgery for managing complex head and neck disorders beyond oncology.
Prof. Mohanty added,
“This approach demonstrates how robotic technology can be adapted for a wider range of challenging cases. The patient had explored several options before coming to us. With TORS, we were able to provide effective relief in a minimally invasive way, avoiding the risks of conventional surgery.”
MGM Healthcare emphasized that this procedure reflects its commitment to advanced medical technologies and personalized care for complex conditions.
