Transoral Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer: Outcomes

Abstract

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has transformed the surgical management of selected head and neck cancers by enabling minimally invasive tumour resection with improved visualisation and precision. Initially developed for oropharyngeal malignancies, TORS aims to achieve oncologic control while preserving speech and swallowing function and reducing treatment-related morbidity. Over the past two decades, multiple studies have evaluated survival, local control, functional outcomes, and complication rates associated with TORS. Evidence suggests that TORS provides comparable oncologic outcomes to traditional open surgery and definitive radiotherapy in early-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in human papillomavirus-associated disease. Additionally, favourable functional outcomes, including reduced gastrostomy and tracheostomy dependence, have been consistently reported. This review summarises current evidence on oncologic and functional outcomes of TORS in head and neck cancer, highlights its role in primary and salvage settings, and discusses limitations and future directions.