Transoral robotic surgery: safety, complications, and oncologic outcomes from a maxillofacial surgery unit experience.

INTRODUCTION

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is widely used for selected head and neck conditions and is often perceived as an otolaryngology-driven technique. Dedicated reports from oral and maxillofacial surgery units remain less represented.

MATERIAL &

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed adult patients treated with TORS between August 2019 and February 2024. Demographic, surgical, histopathologic and oncologic variables were collected, including complications, occult primary work-up performance, recurrence and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients underwent 59 TORS procedures. Immediate complications included acute dysphagia (7.2%), wound dehiscence (7.2%) and infection (3.6%); persistent dysphagia occurred in 1.8%. Occult primary work-up represented 18.2% of patients, with primary identification in 60.0%. Recurrence occurred in 10.9%; 5-year recurrence-free survival was 0.810 (95% CI 0.510-0.936) and 5-year overall survival was 0.886 (95% CI 0.677-0.963).

DISCUSSION: TORS performed within an oral and maxillofacial surgery setting showed acceptable perioperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes consistent with prevailing standards, supporting its integration into maxillofacial oncologic practice and training.