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Quantification of the Impact of Intraoperative Ultrasound in Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Reduction
Heng-Jui Hsu1, Jiunn-Liang Wu1, Jenn-Ren Hsiao1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the base of the tongue (BOT) reduction has been shown to decrease the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improve daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOU) can be employed to guide the surgery and prevent massive bleeding.
Study Design:
Cohort study with historical control.
Methods:
A cohort study to compare the outcomes between OSA patients who received TORS with and without IOU assistance.
Results:
From 2016 to 2019, this study enrolled 80 OSA patients who underwent TORS in BOT: 57 in the IOU(+) and 23 in IOU(-) groups. The TORS with IOU presented with shorter operative time, less blood loss, and greater excised BOT volume. The IOU(+) group had greater improvement in the AHI and subjective questionnaire evaluation. The excised volume of BOT was significantly associated with the change in AHI.
Conclusion:
The IOU could improve outcomes in BOT reduction surgery without raising the risk of surgical complications.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Laryngoscope, 132:1125-1131, 2022.
