MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Transoral robotic surgery (TORS), performed through a patient’s mouth, offers an advanced, minimally invasive approach to treating tumors once considered inoperable. A WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital team recently completed its 250th TORS case, a milestone for the Department of Otolaryngology.
Since launching the program at WVU Medicine in 2017, Meghan Turner, M.D., has helped grow one of the highest volume head-and-neck robotic surgery programs in the nation. The team’s milestone case reflects both steady growth and increased access to advanced surgical care in the region.
First performed in the United States 20 years ago, TORS is primarily used for tumors of the mouth and throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. Many of the procedures performed at WVU Medicine involve identifying and removing cancers that are not easily detected through traditional methods, as well as treating known tumors with precision.
The procedure uses robotic arms and 3D imaging, allowing surgeons to operate through the mouth for better accuracy. TORS often results in fewer complications and faster recovery times compared to traditional, more invasive surgery.
“Reaching 250 cases is a meaningful moment for our program,” Turner said. “It represents years of building a team, refining our approach, and, most importantly, earning the trust of patients who choose to receive their care here.”
Hassan Ramadan, M.D., chair of the WVU Department of Otolaryngology, said the milestone reflects a broader commitment to advancing care in West Virginia.
“This milestone highlights the strength of our team and the vision behind the program,” Ramadan said. “Dr. Turner and her colleagues have established a program that not only brings leading-edge technology to our state but also ensures patients can access highly specialized care without leaving their communities.”
With continued growth and recruitment of additional specialists, Ramadan expects the program to expand further, offering more patients access to minimally invasive treatment options for complex head and neck conditions.
