A 64-year-old woman from Vellore underwent a complex transoral robotic surgery (TORS) at MIOT International, which helped remove a large tumour from her mouth without external incisions, preventing severe facial disfigurement.

Shantha Kumari was referred to MIOT after scans suggested a sizeable growth near her left soft palate, measuring nearly the size of a tennis ball. Conventional open surgery for such deep-seated tumours typically involves splitting the jawbone, leaving visible scars and requiring prolonged recovery.

The procedure was led by Arun Mithra, Head and Neck Onco Surgeon, MIOT International. Explaining the case at a press briefing, he said, “Given the tumour’s deep location, a conventional approach would have meant breaking the jawbone and reconstructing it with metal plates. That would have left the patient with scarring, a longer hospital stay, and higher risks of complications. Robotic surgery allowed us to remove the tumour entirely through the mouth, with minimal discomfort and no external scars.”

The patient resumed a normal diet within two days, avoided tracheostomy and visible scarring, and was discharged on the fourth day. Biopsy results later confirmed the tumour was non-cancerous.