Quality of life (QoL) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) resection of parapharyngeal space tumours.
Gupta, Keshav Kumar Akhavan-Mofrad, Arshia Mughal, Zahir Germain, Susan De, Mriganka Garas, George
Gupta, Keshav Kumar
Akhavan-Mofrad, Arshia
Mughal, Zahir
Germain, Susan
De, Mriganka
Garas, George
Affiliation
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-07-26
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Introduction: Parapharyngeal space tumours (PSTs) can be challenging to manage in view of their distinct location and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Numerous surgical approaches have been described including minimally invasive techniques utilising transoral robotic surgery (TORS). This study aims to evaluate the role of TORS in the management of PSTs with a special focus on quality of life (QoL) outcomes.
Methods: A systematic search was performed to evaluate the existing literature surrounding the management of PSTs with TORS. In addition, all patients at our tertiary unit were included. Outcomes included patient and tumour details, surgical and QoL outcomes.
Results: Overall, 7 patients were included from our centre, all of which had complete tumour excision with no cases of recurrence. Mean length of stay was 2.9 days. There were 4 pleomorphic salivary adenomas (PSA), 1 schwannoma, 1 branchial cleft cyst, and 1 retropharyngeal lipoma. In terms of QoL outcomes, no patient required a feeding tube or tracheostomy or experienced any deterioration of their swallow or voice function (measured through GRBAS, FOIS and PSS-HN scores) at any follow-up point. In the existing literature, 18 studies with 127 patients were identified. A weighted analysis revealed the pooled prevalence of complications across these studies as 9.2% (95% C.I. 2.0-19.2).
Conclusion: This study adds support for the use of TORS in the management of parapharyngeal space tumours in carefully selected patients. It is the first to add a QoL evaluation in this clinical context using validated instruments.
Citation
Gupta KK, Akhavan-Mofrad A, Mughal Z, Germain S, De M, Garas G. Quality of life (QoL) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) resection of parapharyngeal space tumours. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Oct;282(10):5255-5263. doi: 10.1007/s00405-025-09537-z. Epub 2025 Jul 26.
Type
Article