title: The reconstructive options for oropharyngeal defects in the transoral robotic surgery framework.
abstract: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a fascinating new technique that has been proved to be a safe and feasible for selected oropharyngeal cancers. Furthermore, TORS offers several advantages in the treatment of locoregionally advanced cancers. Nevertheless, the careful selection of patients is the keypoint for a successful application of this therapeutic modality. However, the reconstruction of large oropharyngeal defects is challenging due to the restoration of velopharyngeal competency and swallowing. Moreover, the absence of mandibular splitting increases the difficulties faced by reconstructive surgeons. The paradigm for oropharyngeal reconstruction has undergone changes reflecting the overall change in the trend of the treatment alternatives over the last few decades. The flap choice and harvesting should be tailored in order to obtain significant advantages both in terms of function and should be easy to inset. In this review, we analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the various flaps used in the TORS framework.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meccariello
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy. Electronic address: filippomontevecchi72@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montevecchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency, Burn Center, Bufalini Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Cesena, Italy.
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sgarzani
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Vito
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gobbi
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bellini
authors.affiliation: Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vicini
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Flap; Minimally invasive surgery; Oropharyngeal carcinoma; Reconstruction; Transoral robotic surgery