%0 Journal Article
%T Swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic surgery and adjuvant treatment in unknown primary.
%A van der Scheer FA
%A Jansen F
%A Eerenstein SEJ
%A Vergeer MR
%A Leemans CR
%A Verdonck-de Leeuw IM
%A Hendrickx JJ
%J Oral Dis
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 10
%M 38988121
%F 4.068
%R 10.1111/odi.15063
%X OBJECTIVE: Robotic transoral mucosectomy of the base of tongue was introduced as a diagnostic procedure in patients treated for head and neck cancer with unknown primary (CUP), increasing the identification rate of the primary tumour. For the treatment of CUP, a considerable percentage of patients require adjuvant (chemo)radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate swallowing outcomes among CUP patients after TORS and adjuvant treatment.
METHODS: A systematic review was carried out on studies investigating the impact of TORS and adjuvant treatment on swallowing-related outcomes among CUP patients In addition, a cross-sectional study was carried out on swallowing problems (measured using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire) among CUP patients in routine care who visited the outpatient clinic 1-5 years after TORS and adjuvant treatment.
RESULTS: The systematic review (6 studies; n = 98) showed that most patients returned to a full oral diet. The cross-sectional study (n = 12) showed that all patients were able to return to a full oral diet, nevertheless, 50% reported swallowing problems in daily life (SWAL-QOL total score ≥14).
CONCLUSIONS: Although after TORS and adjuvant treatment for CUP a full oral diet can be resumed, patients still experience problems with eating and drinking in daily life.