Comparison of Quality of Life among Patients with Oro-Hypopharyngeal Cancer after Tonsillectomy and Panscopy Using Transoral Robotic Surgery: A Pilot Study

Studies have shown lower treatment-related morbidity when using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) compared to conventional surgery. Patients investigated for oro- and hypopharyngeal cancer (T1, T2) were compared concerning quality of life (QoL) after tonsillectomy and TORS using validated QoL questionnaires: QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35. The patients treated with TORS showed a higher pain score and thus also a higher need for painkillers, whereas they had lower values on self-assessment of anxiety/depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. The pre- and postoperative information given did not meet the expectations of the patients treated with conventional surgery. The present data show advantages of the TORS technique from the patients' perspective. Even if patients treated with TORS are in need of more painkilling treatment, they cope better with the long-term effects of treatment, as judged by self-assessment of anxiety and depression.