Long-term results of robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Head Neck. 2022 Aug;44(8):1940-1947. doi: 10.1002/hed.27115. Epub 2022 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: We have previously reported our early experience in robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy. The current case series is a report of our experience in 33 robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy.

Methods: Prospective series of patients who underwent robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma from January 2010 to March 2019.

Results: Thirty-one patients underwent robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy with two additional second procedure for positive margin. Median age is 55 years (29-85). Twenty-five patients had rT1 disease and six patients had tumor invaded sphenoid floor (rT3). Median operative time was 227 min and median blood loss was 200 ml. The median follow-up period for all patients were 38 months. Four patients had local recurrence. Five-year local control rate, overall survival, and disease-free survival are 85.1%, 55.7%, and 69.1%, respectively.

Conclusion: Robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngectomy was showed to have a high local control rate. The operating time was comparable to open surgery.

Keywords: minimally invasive skull base surgery; nasopharyngeal carcinoma; nasopharyngectomy; salvage surgery; transoral robotic surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma / surgery
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Pharyngectomy / methods
  • Prospective Studies
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures*
  • Salvage Therapy / methods
  • Survival Rate