Transoral robotic resection of benign tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract: Experience of the French group of GETTEC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the current use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in benign tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract through a case series and a literature review. METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study was conducted in 6 French centers between November 2009 and July 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had a TORS resection of a tumor at varied locations with differing histopathologic characteristics. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.1 days. Eight patients had nasogastric tubes, which were removed after a mean of 5.6 days. Two patients had a prophylactic tracheostomy for an average of 5.5 days. A third tracheostomy was performed secondarily for postoperative bleeding. No recurrences were observed during the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: This technique caused few complications and resulted in short hospitalization, with satisfactory functional and recurrence outcomes. However, the risk of bleeding and edema must be considered, and the need for a tracheostomy must be approached wisely.