Long-term results of robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background We have previously reported our early experience in robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy. The current case series is a report of our experience in 33 robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy. Methods Prospective series of patients who underwent robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma from January 2010 to March 2019. Results Thirty-one patients underwent robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy with two additional second procedure for positive margin. Median age is 55 years (29-85). Twenty-five patients had rT1 disease and six patients had tumor invaded sphenoid floor (rT3). Median operative time was 227 min and median blood loss was 200 ml. The median follow-up period for all patients were 38 months. Four patients had local recurrence. Five-year local control rate, overall survival, and disease-free survival are 85.1%, 55.7%, and 69.1%, respectively. Conclusion Robotic-assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngectomy was showed to have a high local control rate. The operating time was comparable to open surgery.