Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery Research Articles

Evaluation of chronological changes in videofluorographic findings after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery to reveal mechanism of dysphagia

Evaluation of chronological changes in videofluorographic findings after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery to reveal mechanism of dysphagia

A Case Report of Vallecula Angioleiomyoma

Angioleiomyoma is benign smooth muscle tumor originating from the vascular wall. While they can occur in various anatomical locations, they are rarely reported in the vallecula region of the oropharynx. We present a case of a 58-year-old female patient with a five-year history of progressive dysphagia and throat discomfort. Laryngoscopy revealed a large, soft, mobile mass located on the right side of the vallecula. Radiological imaging further characterized the lesion as a well-circumscribed, heterogeneous mass. Surgical intervention in the form of Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery (TOVS) was performed, leading to the successful removal of the mass. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of angioleiomyoma.

Swallowing Function and Quality of Life in Patients Treated With Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery for Pharyngolaryngeal Cancer.

It is controversial whether transoral resection for early pharyngolaryngeal cancer preserves swallowing function and quality of life. We investigated swallowing function and quality of life before and after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS). Seventy-three patients with pharyngolaryngeal cancer who underwent TOVS between July 2012 and July 2022 were enrolled in this prospective analysis. The Hyodo score and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires were recorded preoperatively and at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively, in addition to the postoperative functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) at six months postoperatively. Although most patients could consume food orally without restrictions with a preferable FOSS score, 23 patients showed impaired Hyodo scores. Age ≥65 years significantly predicted impaired swallowing. Sub-scores of the impaired patient group showed worsening for the glottal closure reflex when the endoscope touchedthe epiglottis or arytenoid, as well as a reduction in the extent of pharyngeal clearance following the ingestion of blue-dyed water. After TOVS, swallowing function is generally well preserved. Elderly patients, especially those with laryngeal hypoesthesia and poor clearance, are at risk of swallowing dysfunction.

Safety and outcome of three-dimensional transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery.

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) is widely used in Japan, and conventional two-dimensional (2D) endoscopic methods have been established. Three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic surgery offers superior distance perception because it provides stereoscopic views. Recently, we have developed 3D endoscopy for TOVS (3D TOVS). This study included 46 patients with pharyngeal cancer who underwent 3D TOVS. The perioperative complications and survival curves were retrospectively analyzed. One patient with oropharyngeal cancer who underwent neck dissection and transoral resection simultaneously experienced postoperative hemorrhage of the neck. Another patient with oropharyngeal cancer underwent hemostasis for postoperative pharyngeal hemorrhage. There was one case of aspiration pneumonia. One patient developed cervical lymph node recurrence; however, there was no local recurrence or primary mortality. The 2-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, local control rates, locoregional control rate, and invasive disease-free survival were 90.9%, 100%, 100%, 97.4%, and 79.9%, respectively. Three-dimensional endoscopy can be safely applied to TOVS.

Salvage transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for post-irradiation recurrence of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Transoral salvage surgery has the potential to preserve a patient's quality of life. Therefore, we investigated the outcomes, safety, and risk factors for postoperative complications of salvage transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for recurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This retrospective analysis enrolled patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who had a history of RT or CRT and underwent TOVS from January 2008 to June 2021. The factors related to postoperative complications, postoperative swallowing functions and survival rates were analyzed. Seven patients (36.8%) of the 19 patients developed complications. Severe dysphagia was the primary complication, and post-cricoid resection was a complication risk factor. The FOSS score was significantly lower in the salvage treatment group. The survival rates were: 3-year overall survival: 94.4%; disease-specific survival: 94.4%; 5-year overall survival: 62.3%; and disease-specific survival: 86.6%. Salvage TOVS for hypopharyngeal cancer was feasible, and oncologically and functionally reasonable. Level of Evidence: 2b.

Evaluation of chronological changes in videofluorographic findings after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery to reveal mechanism of dysphagia

ObjectivesTransoral surgery preserves good swallowing function in most cases, however, postoperative dysphagia sometimes leads to fatal complication such as aspiration pneumonia. We investigated the chronological changes in swallowing function have not been revealed relationship with dysphagia. The primary aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of dysphagia following transoral surgery by analyzing chronological videofluorography (VF) findings. Moreover, the secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mechanism of dysphagia and risk factors of patients to clarify the risk for dysphagia lead to prevention of postoperative complications. Methods22 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for either supraglottic or hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated swallowing function. We performed VF during the preoperative, postoperative acute, and stable phases and investigated the chronological changes in the VF findings. The following parameters were evaluated by VF: horizontal distance of laryngeal movement, vertical distance of laryngeal elevation, laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT), Bolus Residue Scale (BRS) scores, and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Additionally, we evaluated risk factors for postoperative aspiration by investigating relationships between preoperative VF parameters, age of patients, history of radiation therapy, resection area, tumor (T) stage, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and PAS and BRS scores. ResultsThe median time at which oral feeding was resumed in this study was 9 (2–200) days. The patients who had postoperative acute PAS scores of 4 and above exhibited delays in resuming oral ingestion after surgery. TOVS did not impair laryngeal elevation and LEDT; however, the BRS and PAS scores temporarily worsened in the acute phase compared to the preoperative scores. These scores almost recovered to their preoperative states in the stable phase, and both the BRS and PAS scores worsened and recovered concurrently. Patients who exhibited poor vertical distance in laryngeal elevation as observed via preoperative VF or who had histories of radiation therapy had worse PAS scores in postoperative acute phase VF. Patients with broad resection areas had worse BRS scores in postoperative acute phase VF. ConclusionTOVS didn't impair the function of laryngeal elevation and elicitation of the swallowing reflex whereas pharyngeal bolus clearance, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration temporarily deteriorated concurrently but eventually almost recovered to their baseline values.Patients with histories of radiotherapy, poor laryngeal elevation, and broad resection areas are at the risk of postoperative dysphagia after TOVS. Patients with these risk factors need appropriate evaluation before resuming postoperative oral intake.

Current Status of Transoral Surgery for Patients With Early-Stage Pharyngeal and Laryngeal Cancers in Japan.

As the laryngopharynx is closely related to swallowing, speech, and phonation, it is necessary to consider not only disease control but also a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal cancer. Transoral surgery has been reported to be a minimally invasive method for treating these diseases. Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) and endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS) have been developed in Japan and recently emerged as treatments for patients with early stage pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. However, securing an appropriate field of view and a narrow operating space during TOVS or ELPS are critical issues to be resolved for these surgeries. The clinical significance and safety of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) using the da Vinci Surgical System have been widely reported to provide surgeons with increased visualization and magnification, resulting in precise surgical margins and rapid functional recovery. In this context, a multi-institutional clinical study was conducted to evaluate the treatment outcomes of TORS for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal cancer in Japan, and the da Vinci Surgical System for oral robot-assisted surgery for these diseases was approved by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Agency in August 2018. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic effects of TOVS, ELPS, and TORS, with a particular focus on these therapeutic results in Japan.

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer―Technical updates and long-term results

Abstract Objective Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was developed as a non-robotic procedure for en bloc laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer resection. Straight devices had been used for this procedure, however, some cases had difficulty to reach the lesions especially in hypopharyngeal area. To overcome this problem, technical updates to facilitate transoral manipulation were developed and long term oncological and functional results were analyzed. Methods Surgical indications were Tis, T1, T2 and selected T3 cases. In advanced T3 or T4 lesions, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed before surgery. Radiation failure cases (rT1 and rT2) were also indicated for TOVS. Resectable nodal involvement can be managed by combination of neck dissection. Ninety hypopharyngeal and 25 supraglottic cancer cases were retrospectively reviewed for survival analyses. In fresh hypopharyngeal cancer, 51 Stage 0–II disease and 32 Stage III-IV disease were included. In supraglottic cancer, 11 Stage I–II disease and 9 Stage III-IV disease were included. Twelve radiation failure cases were analyzed separately. As new devices, malleable forceps and malleable suction coagulator were introduced to reach the whole laryngo-hypopharynx. New curved blades for the FKWO retractor were developed and these were applied for difficult hypopharyngeal exposure cases by conventional blades. Swallowing functional outcome and risk factors for postoperative dysphagia were evaluated by univariate analysis. Results The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival and larynx preservation rate of fresh hypopharyngeal cancer cases were 83.2%, 94.3% and 94.6%, respectively. Those of supraglottic cancer cases were 80%, 95% and 94.7%, respectively. Those of salvage cases were 87.5%, 87.5% and 82.5%, respectively. Those of T3 and T4 hypopharyngeal cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with TOVS were 75.0%, 82.5% and 100% respectively. Surgical complication included bleeding (2.6%) and emergency tracheostomy (3.4%). Oral intake was maintained in 94.8% cases. By univariate analysis, patient’s age (especially 80 years of age or older), larger resected area, arytenoid resection and tracheostomy were regarded as risk factors for postoperative dysphagia. Among 31 recent cases, 5 cases had difficulty in exposing hypopharyngeal lesions by conventional blades. These exposure problems were solved by curved blades. Conclusion Using malleable devices and new curved blades for the FKWO retractor, exposure problems in the hypopharynx could be solved and TOVS could be applied in more cases. Although oncological outcomes and functional outcomes were good, patients with risk factors for dysphagia should be carefully indicated.

Prognostic factors after transoral resection of early hypopharyngeal cancer.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate risk factors predictive of local recurrence and/or lymph node metastasis after transoral resection of early hypopharyngeal cancer.MethodsForty‐nine consecutive patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) as an initial treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated. On univariate and multivariate analysis, local recurrence rates were assessed respectively using log‐rank test and cox regression analysis according to the following parameters: subsite, pT, mucosal margin, lymphatic invasion, vessel invasion, tumor thickness (> 4 mm vs ≤4 mm), history of esophageal cancer, and multiple Lugol‐voiding lesions (LVLs) in the esophagus. Categorical variables were evaluated for their associations with lymph node metastasis using chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test.ResultThe subsites of primary lesions were piriform sinus in 24 patients, posterior wall in 15 patients, and postcricoid in 10 patients. Thirty patients had esophageal cancer. Local recurrence occurred in 14 patients. Three patients had lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis and four patients developed lymph node metastasis after the initial treatment, resulting a total of seven patients having lymph node metastasis. While mucosal margin and LVLs showed significant associations with local recurrence on univariate analysis, only LVLs remained as a significant risk factor on multivariate analysis (P = .0395; hazard ratio = 8.897; 95% confidence interval, 1.113‐71.15). Most cases of local recurrence were satisfactorily controlled by repeated TOVS. While multivariate analysis could not be performed due to the small number of the patients with lymph node metastases, venous invasion (P = .0166) and tumor thickness (P = .0092) were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis on univariate analysis.ConclusionsLocal recurrence was more frequent in patients with LVLs, but most of them were salvaged by repeated TOVS. Patients with venous invasion and/or tumor thickness greater than 4 mm should be followed up with special attention to lymph node metastasis.Level of Evidence: 3.

Endoscopic snare uvulectomy under moderate sedation without endotracheal intubation.

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Treatment outcomes of transoral robotic and non-robotic surgeries to treat oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: A multi-center retrospective observational study in Japan

ObjectivesThe aim of this multicenter retrospective cohort study was to compare efficacy and subsequent postoperative treatment between transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and any non-robotic transoral surgery in Japanese patients with early oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), hypopharyngeal SCC (HPSCC), or supraglottic SCC (SGSCC). Materials and methodsClinical information and surgical outcomes were compared between patients with early-stage OPSCC, HPSCC, and SGSCC who underwent TORS (TORS cohort) and those who underwent non-robotic transoral surgery, including transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS), endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery (ELPS), and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) (non-robotic cohort). The data of the Head and Neck Cancer Registry of Japan (registry cohort) were used to validate the comparison. The main outcomes were the presence of positive margins under pathology and the requirement for postoperative therapy, including radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. ResultsSixty-eight patients in the TORS cohort, 236 patients in the non-robotic cohort, and 1,228 patients in the registry cohort were eligible for this study. Patients in the TORS cohort were more likely to have oropharyngeal tumor disease and T2/3 disease than those in the other cohorts (P<0.001 and P=0.052, respectively). The TORS cohort had significantly fewer patients with positive surgical margins than the non-robotic cohort (P=0.018), as well as fewer patients who underwent postoperative treatment, although the difference was not significant (P=0.069). In the subgroup analysis of patients with OPSCC, a total of 57 patients in the TORS cohort, 73 in the non-robotic cohort, and 171 in the registry cohort were eligible for the present study. Patients with OPSCC who underwent TORS were more likely to have lateral wall lesions than those in the other cohorts (P=0.003). The TORS cohort also had significantly fewer patients with positive surgical margins than the non-robotic cohort (P=0.026), and no patients in the TORS cohort underwent any postoperative treatment for OPSCC, although the difference was not significant (P=0.177). ConclusionsOur results suggest that TORS leads to fewer positive surgical margins than non-robotic transoral surgeries. The clinical significance of TORS may be further validated through the results of all-case surveillance for patients who underwent TORS running in Japan in the future.

喉頭（声門上）・下咽頭癌 T1-T2、N+症例に対する治療と QOL − 経口的切除 TOVS+頸部郭清＋/−術後照射 −

喉頭（声門上）・下咽頭癌 T1-T2、N+症例に対する治療と QOL − 経口的切除 TOVS+頸部郭清＋/−術後照射 −

Scar contracture prevention with local steroid injections in transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local steroid injections to prevent scar contracture after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) in hypopharyngeal cancer patients. MethodsPatients were enrolled in this study if they had received a local steroid injection during TOVS and had attended an outpatient clinic after at least three months. All patients were being treated for hypopharyngeal cancer and received a single session of triamcinolone acetonide, injected using a 21-gage needle. Retrospective chart reviews were performed, and the degree of scar contracture, pharyngeal stenosis, vocal fold movements, and adverse events were evaluated. Scar contracture was assessed using a scoring system, which compared the endoscopic findings of treatment and matched pair control groups. ResultsA total of 20 patients received local steroid injections during TOVS and were enrolled in the treatment. Scar contracture was seen in 14 patients (70%); however, the degree of scar contracture was significantly decreased when compared to control cases. Vocal fold immobility was observed in five patients, but no pharyngeal stenosis was noted. Adverse effects, such as postoperative laryngeal chondritis or cervical spondylitis, were seen in three patients who had previously been treated with resection to the muscularis propria or definitive irradiation. ConclusionLocal steroid injection during TOVS significantly reduced the degree of postoperative scar contracture. However, caution should be used when treating with local steroid injection during TOVS, as this may complicate wound healing in patients who have already received treatment.

Comparative Study between Transoral Laser Microsurgery and Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery in Benign Laryngeal Tumors

Background and Objectives Surgical resection is the basic treatment for benign laryngeal tumors and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) has been used effectively. Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) is another method of surgical resection that has been introduced. However, there have not been any studies related to the usefulness of TOVS in benign laryngeal tumors. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and surgical outcomes of TLM and TOVS.Subjects and Method A retrospective chart review of 85 patients were conducted. This review included two groups (TLM group, n=44 versus TOVS group, n=41) of patients who underwent transoral surgery for benign laryngeal tumors. Clinicopathologic factors of the patients and surgical outcomes such as the operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and complications were compared between two groups.Results There were no significant differences between two groups regarding the clinicopathologic factors and surgical outcomes. The TOVS group presented relatively larger tumor size (p=0.067) and showed a tendency of shorter operation time (36.8±34.5 min) compared to that of TLM (45.6±27.9 min), but with no statistical significance (p=0.199).Conclusion TOVS may be considered as an alternative surgical method for benign laryngeal tumors.

Value of transoral surgery for human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal cancer: validation of a new staging system in Japanese patients

ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate new staging of Japanese patients with human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+-OPC) and the effectiveness of transoral surgery.MethodsFifty-three patients with HPV+-OPC were classified according to the seventh and eighth editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, along with assessment of prognosis, smoking and alcohol status, and treatment outcome. Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was performed as transoral surgery.ResultsThe 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 77.3% in all patients. Five-year OS rates of seventh edition staging were as follows: II, 100%; III, 100%; IVa, 75.9%; and IVb and IVc, 0%. Five-year OS rates of the eighth edition clinical staging were as follows: I, 89.3%; II, 88.9%; III, 46.3%; and IV, 0%. In non-smoking and smoking patients with HPV+-OPC, the 5-year OS rates were 90.9% and 70.7%, respectively. TOVS was used for treating 20 smokers with HPV+-OPC (5-year OS: 85.7%), while 12 were treated with chemoradiotherapy (5-year OS: 75.0%).ConclusionsThe eighth edition of the AJCC determines the prognosis of HPV+-OPC more accurately than the seventh edition in clinical staging. Smokers with HPV+-OPC have a poor prognosis, but TOVS might improve the prognosis.

Efficacy of Local Steroid Injections to Prevent Scar Contracture after Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery

Efficacy of Local Steroid Injections to Prevent Scar Contracture after Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery

The Second-Look Procedure for Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery for T1 and T2 Laryngeal, Oropharyngeal, and Hypopharyngeal Cancer Patients: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundTransoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) has been widely applied for early T stage head and neck cancer. The resection is performed with a minimum safety margin for function preservation under a limited surgical field of view, making it difficult to be certain of complete resection.ObjectiveOur aim is the evaluation of the completeness of resection by initial TOVS resection, and the possibility of primary control by TOVS alone, allowing for repeat procedures for function preserving treatment in early T stage laryngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer patients.MethodsPatients are treated by TOVS for the primary site with or without neck dissection. Patients are divided in two groups based on the results of the pathological evaluation of the surgical specimen; the control group in which the resection is considered to be complete, and the intervention (second-look procedure) group in which incomplete tumor resection is suspected. The predictive factors for the possibility of complete resection by TOVS will then be analyzed.ResultsPatient enrollment started on January 1, 2014, and closed on March 31, 2016, with 54 patients. The control group consists of 27 patients, the intervention group is 21 patients, and 6 patients were excluded. There were no clinical differences between the control and intervention groups. The observation period will end on December 31, 2018.ConclusionsTOVS has potential for both definitive resection and function preservation with minimal invasiveness. Identifying the limitations of TOVS is beneficial to ensure accurate treatment selection in early T stage head and neck cancer patients.Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000012485; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi? recptno=R000014472 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6v1b741Iw)

STEINER把持鉗子と薄型マリアブルバイポーラ鑷子のTOVSへの使用経験

STEINER把持鉗子と薄型マリアブルバイポーラ鑷子のTOVSへの使用経験

Vocal function after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling.Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists.Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified.Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p = .0018) and neck dissection (p = .0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p = .0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment.

Salvage Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery for radiorecurrent hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery (TOVS) for radiorecurrent supraglottic and hypopharyngeal cancer, and to compare survival and complications between primary and radiorecurrent cases. MethodsTwelve cases of salvage TOVS for radiorecurrent cancer and 53 cases of TOVS as an initial treatment (primary cases) were evaluated. Days to resume soft diet, Functional Outcomes of Swallowing Scale (FOSS), postoperative complications, epithelization days and survival outcomes were assessed by retrospective chart review. ResultsFOSS score was significantly worse in salvage cases compared with primary cases. Bleeding and airway compromise was slightly greater in salvage cases than in primary cases; however, this was not statistically significant. Wound healing was significantly delayed in salvage cases compared with primary cases (P<0.001). In primary cases, wounds were re-epithelized within 60 days in 83% of patients and within 90 days in almost all patients, while in salvage cases 42% of patients required more than 90 days for wound healing. In salvage cases, the 5-year overall survival, disease specific survival rate, local control rate, and laryngeal preservation rate was 85.7%, 85.7%, 62.5%, and 78.0%, respectively, and 85.7%, 98.0%, 91.3%, and 97.8%, respectively, for primary cases. Local control rate was significantly better in primary cases than in salvage cases. ConclusionSalvage TOVS was feasible in highly selected cases. After serial transoral surgery, the final laryngeal preservation rate was satisfactory. Swallowing function in salvage cases tended to be worse than in primary cases, and a significantly longer time was required for wound healing.