Transoral-transcervical oropharyngectomy without mandibulotomy, associated to fasciocutaneous radial forearm free-flap reconstruction, for oropharyngeal cancer: Postoperative course, oncologic and functional results, and prognostic factors

Abstract Objective To analyze postoperative course, oncologic and functional results and prognostic factors of transoral-transcervical oropharyngeal cancer surgery without mandibulotomy, associated to radial forearm free-flap reconstruction. Material and methods Retrospective analysis of computerized medical records of all patients who underwent this type of surgery in our institution between 2004 and 2014. Predictive factors of oncologic and functional results were investigated on univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Forty-four patients (37 male, 7 female; mean age, 62.3 ± 9.3 years) were included. Three-year overall, disease-specific and recurrence-free survival was 90%, 92% and 79%, respectively. Functional scores were satisfactory (normal or slight impairment) for feeding, speech and oral opening functions in 86%, 93% and 100% of cases, respectively. ASA score ≥ III had significantly negative impact on overall survival ( P = 0.005) and on feeding ( P = 0.01) and speech ( P = 0.01). Conclusion Transoral-transcervical oropharyngeal cancer surgery without mandibulotomy provided excellent oncologic and functional outcomes; it is an advantageous alternative to the conventional conservative transmandibular oropharyngectomy.