David Virós Porcuna
Dr. David Virós Porcuna is Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (Spain). His clinical work focuses on oncologic head and neck surgery, with particular dedication to minimally invasive approaches such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS). He has developed solid experience applying robotic techniques in complex scenarios including oropharyngeal tumors, parapharyngeal space lesions, salvage surgery after chemoradiotherapy, and neck surgery. He has contributed to the structured implementation and consolidation of robotic surgery programs within his institution, participating in the development of protocols for challenging anatomical areas and optimizing surgical outcomes through multidisciplinary collaboration. His group works closely with radiology, oncology, anesthesiology, and 3D planning teams to advance personalized surgical strategies. In parallel to his clinical work, Dr. Virós is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), where he has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching since 2015. He has supervised doctoral theses and final degree projects, especially in the fields of robotic surgery, oncology, and surgical innovation. Dr. Virós is also co-leader of a translational research group at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), focused on tumor stem cells and molecular mechanisms of head and neck cancer. His team explores novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers, and collaborates in clinical trials and translational projects. He has recently joined a European telemedicine initiative aimed at developing home-based audiological monitoring tools for oncology patients undergoing ototoxic treatments, combining AI models and digital health applications. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and frequently participates in international meetings as a speaker or panelist.
He has organized and directed several hands-on international training courses in transoral anatomy and parapharyngeal space surgery, providing practical education to head and neck surgeons.
Sessions
Despite the widespread adoption of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in oropharyngeal
cancer, several aspects of surgical strategy remain highly controversial. This round table
will focus on four hot topics that continue to challenge clinical practice: (1) the role of
radiological assessment in surgical planning, with particular attention to whether styloid
process involvement should be considered a contraindication; (2) the debate over margin
adequacy and how oncological safety should be redefined in the HPV-positive era; (3)
the relationship between perioperative bleeding and reconstructive techniques; and (4) the
potential role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patient selection and outcomes. Each
controversy will be addressed by expert panelists through short, case-based presentations
followed by open discussion with the audience. The session aims to provide practical
insights, highlight unresolved questions, and foster a multidisciplinary exchange to
optimize surgical decision-making in oropharyngeal TORS.
Transoral Robotic Surgery rapresents a defined and well standarzided surgical therapy for oropharyngeal cancer, despite many open questions remain, particularly regarding the role of first-line treatment in comparison with radiotherapy and chemiotherapy.