Radiofrequency Coblation-Assisted Transoral Surgery for the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Study with Open Surgery

Abstract

Objective. Radiofrequency coblation (RFC) is a relatively new method that has opened up new perspectives in treating oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Our study was designed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of RFC-assisted transoral surgery (RFC-TOS) for primary OPSCC. Methods. Sixty-nine cases of OPSCC from February 2005 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 31 in the RFC-TOS group and 38 in the open surgery group. No difference was observed in demographic and oncological characteristics. Results. The significance between the RFC-TOS group and the open surgery group was proved in intraoperative bleeding volume (34.10 ± 10.10 ml vs. 193.68 ± 21.00 ml, $P<0.001$ ), durations of surgery (79.58 ± 8.45 min vs. 217.87 ± 17.65 min, $P<0.001$ ), time to resume oral feeding (1.64 ± 0.41 d vs. 11.58 ± 1.41 d, $P<0.001$ ), duration of hospitalization (7.84 ± 0.66 d vs. 15.66 ± 1.62 d, $P<0.001$ ), and the total costs (22846.22 ± 1821.55¥ vs. 41792.24 ± 4150.86¥, $P<0.001$ ). The rates of 5-year overall survival (OS), 5-yeardisease-specific survival (DSS), and 5-year local control rate (LC) were 69.1%, 71.7%, and 75.7%, respectively, in the RFC-TOS group and 71.0%, 73.4%, and 73.7% in the open surgery group ( $P>0.05$ ). Conclusions. RFC-TOS is a feasible alternative transoral approach for OPSCC. The reported perioperative and oncologic outcomes are satisfactory.