{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic surgery and adjuvant treatment in unknown primary.
{Author}: van der Scheer FA;Jansen F;Eerenstein SEJ;Vergeer MR;Leemans CR;Verdonck-de Leeuw IM;Hendrickx JJ;
{Journal}: Oral Dis
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 10
{Factor}: 4.068
{DOI}: 10.1111/odi.15063
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.