Authors' recommendations: The evidence addressing the clinical effectiveness of TORS in the management of early stage oral and oropharyngeal cancer is of limited quality. Health technology assessments (HTA) and systematic reviews included in the report were limited to studies with case-series design. Registry studies show that compared to open or non-robotic approaches, TORS confers no mortality benefit but reduces the duration of hospitalization. The benefits of TORS on the reduction in the need for gastrostomy and tracheostomy tubes and post-operative dysphagia are conflicting. There does not appear to be a reduction in bleeding complications associated with TORS. No evidence regarding the clinical or cost effectiveness of TORS in the management of OSA was identified. No studies addressing the cost-effectiveness of TORS in the management of early stage oral and oropharyngeal cancer were identified. Compared to conventional surgical approaches, evidence from non-randomized studies is conflicting as to whether TORS offers cost savings. An activity-based cost calculation found that the total cost of TORS was more than conventional surgery, however the cost differences were attributed to initial purchase costs as well as ongoing training and equipment maintenance.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/jan-2015/RC0621%20Transoral%20Robotic%20Surgery%20Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)