Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after transoral robotic surgery. Review and recommendations of the Commission of Head and Neck Surgery of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Transoral surgery of the oropharynx has seen an important evolution in recent years, expanding the surgical options available (TORS, TOUSS, TOLS). The capacity to resect increasingly extensive lesions and the number of patients who benefit from them. This fact has led to an evolution in the reconstruction of surgical defects after transoral surgery. This article aims to review the possible reconstructive techniques, indications and factors to be taken into account prior to surgery, proposing a protocol to assess the need for transoral reconstruction based on the depth of the defect, the staging, and previous treatment.

Keywords: Cáncer de orofaringe; Minimally invasive surgical procedures; Oropharyngeal cancer; Procedimientos quirúrgicos mínimamente invasivos; Procedimientos quirúrgicos reconstructivos; Procedimientos quirúrgicos robóticos; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Robotic surgical procedures; Robotics; Robótica.