Outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for early-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with low rates of adjuvant therapy: A consecutive single-institution study from 2013 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased in recent decades, driven by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and neck dissection (ND) has been employed as an alternative to radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. The current literature is lacking studies providing an exhaustive overview of recurrence characteristics and long-term outcomes in TORS-treated OPSCC-patients. METHODS: All patients treated for OPSCC with primary TORS + ND in Eastern Denmark between 2013 and 2020 were included in the study. The aim was to explore overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), recurrence patterns, and ultimate failure rate (UFR). OS and RFS were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional regression analyses were employed to examine effect of different variables on risk of death and recurrence. RESULTS: The study included 153 patients of which 88.9 % (n = 136) were treated with TORS alone while 11.1 % (n = 17) received adjuvant therapy. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 97.4 %, 94.1 %, and 87.6 % while 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS were 96.6 %, 87.8 %, and 84.9 %. The UFR was 6.5 % in the cohort. Patients with HPV+/p16 + OPSCC had a significantly better 5-year OS of 92.3 % than patients with discordant or double-negative HPV/p16 status (OS = 73.3 %). No differences in outcomes between patients treated with or without adjuvant therapy were found in regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Excellent survival and disease control was obtained with TORS + ND in this cohort, despite lesser application of adjuvant therapy than other TORS-centers, implying that TORS without adjuvant therapy can be successfully applied in treatment of early-stage OPSCC.

The effect of dexamethasone on functional pain following Transoral Robotic Surgery: a randomized double blinded clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain is prevalent after most TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) procedures and may limit function i.e. swallowing. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding optimal pain treatment in TORS. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial randomized patients to either a high-dose dexamethasone or low-dose dexamethasone treatment in addition to a multimodal basic analgesic protocol. The aim of the trial was to investigate the pain intensity during rest and swallowing using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after TORS lingual tonsillectomy. Secondary outcomes were acceptable food consistency, nausea, vomiting, opioid rescue usage, length of hospitalization, feeding tube placements, readmissions, blood glucose levels and postoperative complications. METHODS: The trial was conducted between August 2020 and October 2022. Eligible patients were patients scheduled for TORS-L treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or as part of the diagnostic work-up of head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were and randomized 1:1. There were overall no significant differences between groups in the reported VAS scores during rest or swallowing (p ≥ .05). Overall, there were no differences in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the pain intensity in the two treatment groups allocated to a basic multimodal analgesic package and either high-dose dexamethasone or low-dose dexamethasone treatment. The trial is the first RCT to include pain measurement during a procedure-relevant activity, thus creating a platform for future recovery studies.

Why in hospital following transoral robotic lingual tonsillectomy?

BACKGROUND: The reported hospital length of stay (LOS) following transoral robotic surgery lingual tonsillectomy (TORS-L) is variable, with limited understanding of the factors requiring hospitalization and no evidence-based criteria for discharge. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This observational cohort study investigated factors hindering discharge following TORS-L in a well-defined postoperative care program. METHODS: Patients were included between August 2020 and October 2022. A discharge scheme was filled out twice daily, specifying the factor(s) for hospitalization among patients undergoing TORS-L. This trial was a sub-investigation of a national multicentre randomized clinical trial (RCT) testing the efficiency of high-dose dexamethasone on postoperative pain control. Participation in the RCT demanded admission to the fourth postoperative day as dexamethasone/placebo was given intravenously in repeated dosages till day 4 postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the analysis. The main factor for hospitalization was nutritional difficulties, while pain was a limiting factor for discharge only on the first postoperative 1-3 days. More than half of the patients could have potentially been discharged on postoperative day 2 when omitting the RCT treatment plan in the analysis. CONCLUSION: The study estimates that the majority of patients may be discharged on postoperative day 2 following TORS-L.

Dysphagia and QoL 3 Years After Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer With TORS or Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE(S): To investigate dysphagia and quality of life (QoL) outcomes 3 years after treatment of oropharyngeal cancer with either primary trans oral robotic surgery (TORS) or radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted at the Copenhagen University Hospital. Endpoints were objective swallowing function, examined using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and video fluoroscopy (VF). QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30), Head & Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN35), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). A comparison was made between 1-, and 3-year results. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included prior to treatment, 31 treated with TORS and 13 with RT. One-year results for this cohort have previously been published (https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.1836395). Significant improvement on FEES in retention at the piriform sinus was noted in both groups. Patients treated with TORS had improved safety scores as well as dynamic imaging grade of swallowing toxicity (DIGEST) and efficiency scores, whereas patients treated with RT only had improvements in the latter two. Improvement in QoL scores was only noted for patients treated with TORS in composite MDADI scores. CONCLUSION: We found significant improvements in objective swallowing function from one to 3 years after treatment, particularly in patients treated with TORS. However, these improvements were not reflected as clinically meaningful improvements in QoL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, cohort follow-up study Laryngoscope, 133:1893-1898, 2023.

[Transoral robotic surgery for the head and neck].

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been utilized in the head and neck field for more than a decade. It is a minimally invasive technique which ensures flexible instrumentation and 3D visualization of the oropharynx. This has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of early-stage oropharyngeal cancer and in the diagnostic management of unknown primary of the head and neck. Over time, the indications for TORS have broadened. This review discusses the development, current indications, and future perspectives of TORS within head and neck surgery.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Recurrent Tumors of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract (RECUT): An International Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgical treatment for residual, recurrent, and new primary head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields, with limited evidence for its oncological effectiveness. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive cases performed in 16 high-volume international centers before August 2018 was conducted (registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT04673929] as the RECUT study). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, disease-specific survivals (DSS), and local control (LC) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, with subgroups compared using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards modeling for multivariable analysis. Maximally selected rank statistics determined the cut point for closest surgical resection margin based on LC. RESULTS: Data for 278 eligible patients were analyzed, with median follow-up of 38.5 months. Two-year and 5-year outcomes were 69.0% and 62.2% for LC, 71.8% and 49.8% for OS, 47.2% and 35.7% for disease-free survival, and 78.7% and 59.1% for disease-specific survivals. The most discriminating margin cut point was 1.0 mm; the 2-year LC was 80.9% above and 54.2% below or equal to 1.0 mm. Increasing age, current smoking, primary tumor classification, and narrow surgical margins (≤1.0 mm) were statistically significantly associated with lower OS. Hemorrhage with return to theater was seen in 8.1% (n = 22 of 272), and 30-day mortality was 1.8% (n = 5 of 272). At 1 year, 10.8% (n = 21 of 195) used tracheostomies, 33.8% (n = 66 of 195) used gastrostomies, and 66.3% (n = 53 of 80) had maintained or improved normalcy of diet scores. CONCLUSIONS: Data from international centers show TORS to treat head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields yields favorable outcomes for LC and survival. Where feasible, TORS should be considered the preferred surgical treatment in the salvage setting.

Disseminated fusariosis with cerebral involvement in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: Successful outcome with intrathecal -and systemic antifungal treatment.

The outcome of invasive fusariosis in hematological patients is usually dismal, particularly in patients with persistent neutropenia. We report a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with Fusarium dimerum sinusitis with hematogenic dissemination to the brain. Despite surgical debridements of the sinuses and liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole and terbinafine, there was progression with cerebral involvement after recovery of neutropenia and with detection of F. dimerum in the cerebrospinal fluid. Topical antifungal treatment with amphotericin B deoxycholate (deoxy-AMB) intrathecally was initiated with administration three times a week. After 99 treatments of intrathecal deoxy-AMB, she had regression of the fusarium CNS lesions and is currently in complete remission from AML. This report supports the use of intrathecal amphotericin B for treatment of CNS fusariosis.

[Chronic rhinosinusitisand type 2 disease].

Diseases of the upper and lower airways are commonly described as global airway disease, which shares basic inflammatory mechanisms, and airway comobidity is frequently found. The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is 5-12%, characterised as CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Inflammation in CRSwNP is often type 2, whereas CRSsNP often involves non-type 2. New monoclonal antibodies towards type-2 inflammation have been launched internationally to treat refractory severe CRSwNP, with effect on polyps, congestions and smell, as well as quality of life. This review gives a summary of the current treatment modalities.

Days alive and out of hospital following transoral robotic surgery: Cohort study of 262 patients with head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) is a validated outcome in clinical trials, since it reflects procedure-associated morbidity and mortality. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a widely adopted procedure with increasing demand for knowledge and data on morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective single-center assessment of a prospective TORS database comprising patients treated for malignancy between 2013 and 2018 using DAOH to describe procedure- and disease-related morbidity the first 12-postoperative months. RESULTS: For 262 patients, median DAOH365 was 357 days (IQR 351-360). Indications for TORS were (i) primary curative resection (61%), (ii) salvage resection (15%), and (iii) diagnostic work-up of cancer of unknown primary in the head and neck (24%). Median DAOH365 was 359 days (IQR 351-361 days), 348 days (IQR 233-355), and 357 days (351-361), respectively. Pneumonia had the highest impact in DAOH365 reduction. CONCLUSION: Total median DAOH365 after TORS was 357 days. The main cause leading to DAOH365 reduction was pneumonia.

Surgical management of rhinocerebral mucormycosis: A case series.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a rare and rapidly progressive, destructive, angioinvasive fungal infection, which primarily affects immunocompromised patients. A high suspicion is required to diagnose RCM as initial clinical manifestations are often nonspecific. A cornerstone of the management is early diagnosis and radical surgery, which often requires complex reconstructive procedures. The optimal timing of reconstructive surgery is controversial. This case series presents the reconstructive perspective on four RCM cases treated with aggressive debridement, targeted antifungal treatment, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy followed by an early local flap or microsurgical reconstruction - to enable adequate local blood perfusion, antifungal treatment, and to decrease the risk of secondary infection. In all four patients, the early reconstructive surgery was successful without relapse of RCM or flap failure. We suggest aggressive surgical debridement till clear resection margins are obtained based on histopathology and/or microbiology, at a point which reconstructive surgery can be performed safely.

Long-term survival outcomes after primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with concurrent neck dissection for early-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) was implemented as a protocolled treatment alternative to the traditional radiotherapy (RT) in Denmark for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In 2017, we published our first prospective feasibility study, showing that TORS with concurrent neck dissection successfully achieved negative margins in 29 out of 30 patients (97%) with early-stage OPSCC. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This follow-up study aims to evaluate the five-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). METHODS: Retrospective follow-up study including 30 patients treated with TORS for early-stage OPSCC (T1-T2, N0-N1, M0, UICC 7th edition) from September 2014 to January 2016 at a single head and neck cancer centre in Denmark. The five-year OS, DSS and RFS, including a detailed analysis of the recurrences, were addressed. RESULTS: The five-year OS, DSS and RFS was 90%, 93% and 87%, respectively. Median follow-up was 54.5 months. Four patients developed a recurrence, with one regional, one distant metastatic (M) and two locoregional recurrences. The median time to recurrence was 24 months (range 3-42 months). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: This follow-up study demonstrates good five-year OS, DSS and RFS in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing TORS and neck dissection for early-stage OPSCC.

Manuscript title: the maxillary swing approach - the first Scandinavian experience.

BACKGROUND: The maxillary swing approach was introduced three decades ago in the head and neck field providing optimal surgical exposure for tumors in the nasopharyngeal and/or the retromaxillary space. OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical experience, patient surgical morbidity and survival outcomes following the introduction of the maxillary swing approach in Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study including patients who underwent the maxillary swing approach from January 2012 - January 2020. Baseline and perioperative data, pathology, postoperative morbidity and survival outcomes were registered. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included of which 15 had a malignant tumor with different histology, while one patient had a benign tumor. Most commonly reported short-term morbidity were trismus, cheek hypoesthesia, nasopalatal fistula, lacrimation and nasal stenosis (<3 months postoperatively) improving markedly at 12 months follow-up. For patients with malignant tumors, the 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 60% and 66.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The maxillary swing approach was safely implemented by a multidisciplinary team at a high-volume centralized head and neck cancer center in Denmark. The procedure may be considered for salvage surgery of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas and selected malignant and benign tumors located in the nasopharynx and/or retromaxillary space inaccessible by other surgical modalities.

TORS Base-of-Tongue Mucosectomy in Human Papilloma Virus-Negative Carcinoma of Unknown Primary.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of transoral robotic base-of-tongue mucosectomy in a cohort of patients with human papilloma virus negative unknown primary carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database analysis. METHODS: A retrospective database review from 2012 to 2018 was performed at two large tertiary centers to study patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative unknown primary carcinoma who underwent transoral robotic base-of-tongue mucosectomy. P16 testing was used as a surrogate for HPV status. Patients were included that had squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the lateral neck based on fine needle aspiration or open biopsy. Preoperatively, all patients were classified as having an unknown primary based on normal clinical and flexible endoscopic exam, normal operative endoscopy, nonlocalizing imaging, and tonsillectomy. All patients underwent robotic base-of-tongue mucosectomy. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of pathologic identification of a mucosal primary. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with p16-negative unknown primary carcinoma were identified and studied. All patients underwent transoral robotic base-of-tongue mucosectomy. Median age was 60 years at the time of diagnosis, and 18 of 23 (78.2%) were male. Pathologic analysis of the base-of-tongue specimens showed a primary tumor in only three of 23 (13.0%) of patients. CONCLUSION: Despite prior evidence suggesting a high rate of primary site identification in HPV-related disease, robotic base-of-tongue mucosectomy may not be indicated for HPV-negative unknown primary carcinoma based on a low likelihood of finding the primary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:78-81, 2021.

Days alive and out of hospital after treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with primary transoral robotic surgery or radiotherapy - a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: With the rising incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer, there is a need to assess the burden of treatment. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This study assessed 'days alive and out of hospital' (DAOH) in a cohort of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with either transoral robotic surgery (TORS) or radiotherapy (RT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted between May 2017-June 2019. Primary outcome was DAOH in the first 30 days after treatment (DAOH30). The secondary outcome was DAOH180. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included, 31 treated with TORS and 13 with RT. Patients treated with TORS had a median DAOH30 of 25 (IQR 22.8-26) including a required four-day postoperative stay- and a median DAOH180 of 168 (IQR 163-171.3). In contrast, patients treated with RT had a median DAOH30 of 30 (IQR 26-30) and a DAOH180 of 143 days (IQR 135.5-149). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: DAOH has not been examined in oropharyngeal cancer before. We found, patients overall spent 92.5% of the first 180 days alive and out of hospital. Patients treated with TORS had high DAOH30, which remained high in DAOH180, while patients treated with RT with reduced DAOH30, had reduced DAOH180 calling for further large-scale studies.

Long-term quality of life & functional outcomes after treatment of oropharyngeal cancer.

Functional and QoL outcomes were compared longitudinally in a cohort of patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) or radiotherapy (RT). Forty-four patients undergoing primary TORS (n = 31) or RT (n = 13) for any stage OPSCC were included. Only low-stage disease was treated with TORS. Functional outcomes were: salivary flow rate, image-based swallowing function, and a self-reported 10-point scale comparing current swallowing function to baseline (CvB scale). QoL was assessed with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30), Head & Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN35), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Shoulder impairment was assessed with Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). In the RT group, salivary flow rates had significantly declined at 12-month follow-up, with the biggest declines in QoL subscale scores recorded in the RT group for dry mouth and sticky saliva. Swallowing function on imaging studies was overall good, with no severe dysphagia within 1 year although, both treatment groups showed significant deterioration relative to baseline at the 12-month follow-up with increased DIGEST scores and pharyngeal retention. Shoulder impairment was rare at 1 year in both groups. A comprehensive examination of this cohort treated for OPSCC showed overall good functional and QoL outcomes 1 year after treatment. However, persistent impairment was seen in both groups with regards to swallowing function. In the TORS group, at 12-months follow-up, the QoL questionnaires showed worse scores in only one subscale (sticky saliva).

Introduction of a Comprehensive Diagnostic and Interdisciplinary Management Approach in Haematological Patients with Mucormycosis: A Pre and Post-Intervention Analysis.

Mucormycosis is a life threatening infection in patients with haematological disease. We introduced a Mucorales-PCR and an aggressive, multidisciplinary management approach for mucormycosis during 2016-2017 and evaluated patient outcomes in 13 patients diagnosed and treated in 2012-2019. Management principle: repeated surgical debridement until biopsies from the resection margins were clean as defined by negative Blankophor microscopy, Mucorales-PCR (both reported within 24 h), and cultures. Cultured isolates underwent EUCAST E.Def 9.3.1 susceptibility testing. Antifungal therapy (AFT) (mono/combination) combined with topical AFT (when possible) was given according to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), severity of the infection, and for azoles, specifically, it was guided by therapeutic drug monitoring. The outcome was evaluated by case record review. All patients underwent surgery guided by diagnostic biopsies from tissue and resection margins (195 samples in total). Comparing 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, the median number of patients of surgical debridements was 3 and 2.5 and of diagnostic samples: microscopy/culture/PCR was 3/3/6 and 10.5/10/10.5, respectively. The sensitivity of microscopy (76%) and Mucorales-PCR (70%) were similar and microscopy was superior to that of culture (53%; p = 0.039). Initial systemic AFT was liposomal amphotericin B (n = 12) or posaconazole (n = 1) given as monotherapy (n = 4) or in combination with isavuconazole/posaconazole (n = 3/6) and terbinafine (n = 3). Nine patients received topical amphotericin B. All received isavuconazole or posaconazole consolidation therapy (n = 13). Mucormycosis related six month mortality was 3/5 in 2012-2015 and 0/7 patients in 2016-2019 (one patient was lost for follow-up). Implementation of combination therapy (systemic+topical AFT/combination systemic AFT) and aggressive surgical debridement guided by optimised diagnostic tests may improve the outcome of mucormycosis in haematologic patients.

Transoral robotic surgery: a 4-year learning experience in a single Danish Cancer Centre.

Background: The main indication for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been the primary treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In the western world this is highly relevant due to the increasing incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive OPSCC. In Denmark, TORS was implemented in 2013 for use in the protocolled primary treatment of OPSCC.Aims/objectives: To perform a year-by-year comparative analysis of indications for TORS, hospitalization and complication rates to identify optimal future indications for TORS.Methods and materials: This is a retrospective single-centre case review from 2013-2017. Data were collected from patient files through electronic health care systems.Results: Since 2013, there has been a change of indications from performing benign and salvage surgery to mainly primary treatment of OPSCC and diagnostic use in patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). The overall complication rates have reduced considerably over time.Conclusions and significance: Lower complication rates may be explained by improved surgical experience, through better patient selection and changes in indications for TORS. Future applications of TORS will be in the management of CUP and as part of a Danish national randomized clinical trial aiming to compare long-term functional outcomes after treatment of early-stage OPSCC with TORS versus radiation treatment.

Improved surgical resection of metastatic pancreatic cancer using uPAR targeted in vivo fluorescent guidance: comparison with traditional white light surgery.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers. The five-year survival rates have been reported as 3%. Radical surgical tumor resection is critical for improved outcome and the low survival rate for pancreatic cancer is due to lack of other effective treatments and here optical guided surgery could be a solution for better surgical outcome. In the present study, we targeted the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) with a peptide conjugated with the fluophore ICG (ICG-Glu-Glu-AE105) for optical imaging. In the first part of the study we aimed to validate ICG-Glu-Glu-AE105 for resection of the primary tumor and metastases in an orthotopic human xenograft pancreatic cancer model. In the second part of the study we aimed to investigate if fluorescent-guided imaging could locate additional metastases following conventional removal of metastasis under normal white light surgery. Our study showed that ICG-Glu-Glu-AE105 was an excellent probe for intraoperative optical imaging with a mean tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) for the primary tumor of 3.5 and a TBR for the metastases of 3.4. Further, a benefit using intraoperative fluorescent guidance yielded identification of an additional 14% metastases compared to using normal white light surgery. In 4 of 8 mice there were identified additional metastases with uPAR optical imaging compared to white light. In conclusion, the uPAR-targeted optical probe ICG-Glu-Glu-AE105 enables intraoperative optical cancer imaging, including robotic surgery, and may be a benefit during intended radical resection of disseminated pancreas cancer by finding more metastasis than with traditional white light surgery.

[Transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer].

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly prevalent in the western part of the world. Patients with HPV-induced OPSCC are often younger and have a much better prognosis than patients with HPV-negative OPSCC. The newly introduced transoral robotic surgery offers the ability to perform en bloc tumour resection with good margin control. It may be an alternative to the traditional radiation therapy for early-stage OPSCC. A Danish randomised clinical trial is now aiming at comparing these two treatments with a focus on long-term functional outcomes.

Transoral Robotic Surgery in the Nordic Countries: Current Status and Perspectives.

Background: The five Nordic countries with a population of 27 M people form a rather homogenous region in terms of health care. The management of head and neck cancer is centralized to the 21 university hospitals in these countries. Our aim was to gain an overview of the volume and role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and to evaluate the need to centralize it in this area as the field is rapidly developing. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent to all 10 Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the Nordic countries having an active programme for TORS in December 2017. Results: The total cumulative number of performed robotic surgeries at these 10 Nordic centers was 528 and varied between 5 and 240 per center. The median annual number of robotic surgeries was 38 (range, 5-60). The observed number of annually operated cases remained fairly low (<25) at most of the centers. Conclusions: The present results showing a limited volume of performed surgeries call for considerations to further centralize TORS in the Nordic countries.