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

BackgroundThe 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. MethodsThis multicentric retrospective study was conducted in 6 French centers between November 2009 and July 2017. ResultsTwenty-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. ConclusionThis 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.