Recurrent oropharyngeal cancer: Analysis of surgical treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND The main goal of our research is to introduce transoral robotic surgery and laser resection (TLR) as a considerable way of treating patients with recurrent oropharyngeal malignancies. AIM To develop a foundation of minimally invasive transoral surgical technique for patients with oropharyngeal recurrence. METHODS This study prospectively and retrospectively included patients with recurrent tumors from 2003 to 2018. Subjects were allocated into two groups: (1) Group I; underwent TLR; and (2) Group II (control); underwent open surgeries of varying volume. Evaluation was done with intraoperative blood loss, postoperative infection incidence, and quality of life using the scale for patients with head and neck tumors known as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head & Neck Scale. RESULTS One-hundred and forty one patients were included (103 males and 38 females), in 82 cases (85.4%), a recurrent tumor developed earlier than a year after primary tumor therapy; forty-six were in group I and 69 in group II, age ranging from 18 years to 86 years (average: 57.6 years). The first group showed a statistically significant less amount of blood loss and a decreased incidence of infectious complications (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in functional outcomes (quality of life scores) but no significant difference in survival curves. CONCLUSION In properly elected patients, TLR is not just reasonable but tends to be a favorable alternative for recurrent oropharyngeal cancers compared to the outcomes of the open surgery group.