Efficacy of robotic transoral surgery (TORS) in the setting of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). An integrative literature review

• Main Author: de Azevedo Setton, Lauro Roberto
• Publication Date: 2023
• Other Authors: Rodolfo de Góis, Carlos, Vasconcelos D’Ávila, Daniel, Almeida Rosário, Roosevelt, Almeida Davila Melo, Nelson, Salviano, Scheilla Kristina Mesquita, dos Santos, Marta Dória, Ribeiro Oliveira, Thiago, Bittencourt Silva, Pedro Paulo, dos Santos Ribeiro, Yuri Mark, Ferreira Setton, Antônio Roberto
• Format: Article
• Language: eng; por
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.2049
• topic: Cirurgia robótica transoral; Carcinoma de células escamosas de orofaringe; câncer de orofaringe; Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS); Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC); Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPSCC)

Introduction: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) demonstrates surprising oncological results from remarkable precision, maneuverability and expanded vision, but there is a gap in surgeons' knowledge regarding its effectiveness compared to other therapeutic methods. Objective: To review the indications, advantages, disadvantages and complications of transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal tumors (TORS) compared to other therapeutic methods. Methods: Integrative literature review conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases from 2011 to 2022. 25 articles were included in the study Discussion/Results: There was a significant reduction in the risk of margin invasion compared to the traditional open technique (9.5% vs. 19.1%), as well as a reduction in the recurrence of primary tumors (8.3% vs. 17.8%). TORS together with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) are associated with a higher primary screening rate than open lingual tonsillectomy (80% vs. 72%). Conclusion: TORS is a safe and concise surgical technique that allows resection with millimeter margins and superhuman precision. Furthermore, there is a need for more studies with more robust databases in order to analyze the gaps that are still present regarding the results of TORS outcomes in the long term.