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Updated: Jun 21, 2025
Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic surgery and adjuvant treatment in unknown primary
Fennetta A van der Scheer1,2, Femke Jansen1,2, Simone E J Eerenstein1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
Robotic transoral mucosectomy of the base of tongue was introduced as a diagnostic procedure in patients treated for head and neck cancer with unknown primary (CUP), increasing the identification rate of the primary tumour. For the treatment of CUP, a considerable percentage of patients require adjuvant (chemo)radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate swallowing outcomes among CUP patients after TORS and adjuvant treatment.
Subjects And Methods:
A systematic review was carried out on studies investigating the impact of TORS and adjuvant treatment on swallowing-related outcomes among CUP patients In addition, a cross-sectional study was carried out on swallowing problems (measured using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire) among CUP patients in routine care who visited the outpatient clinic 1-5 years after TORS and adjuvant treatment.
Results:
The systematic review (6 studies; n = 98) showed that most patients returned to a full oral diet. The cross-sectional study (n = 12) showed that all patients were able to return to a full oral diet, nevertheless, 50% reported swallowing problems in daily life (SWAL-QOL total score ≥14).
Conclusion:
Although after TORS and adjuvant treatment for CUP a full oral diet can be resumed, patients still experience problems with eating and drinking in daily life.
