Transoral non-robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical, oncological, and functional outcomes of transoral non-robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Materials and methods

Data from 131 patients with surgically treated OPSCC (2010-2022) were analyzed. Patients who underwent exclusively transoral surgery were included in the study. The surgeries were performed under microscopic or endoscopic guidance and either a CO₂ laser or an ultrasound/radiofrequency scalpel was used as a cutting instrument, depending on the characteristics and location of the tumor. Functional outcomes were assessed in terms of length of hospital stay, tracheostomy rate, duration of feeding tube dependency and complications. Survival outcomes were assessed in terms of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

Results

Of 74 included patients, transoral surgery demonstrated safety with no major complications. Tracheotomy was performed in 51.4 % of cases, and was maintained for a median of 10 days. Complete swallowing recovery was restored in 97.3 % of cases, after a median of 5 days. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days. At 5 years, OS was 68.2 %, PFS was 58.2 % and DSS was 83.6 %.

Conclusion

The study confirms the safety and efficacy of a transoral approach for OPSCC. Having the capability to utilize and access a variety of tools provides the opportunity to tailor the technique to the individual patient and specific circumstances.