Quantification of the Impact of Intraoperative Ultrasound in Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Reduction

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the base of the tongue (BOT) reduction has been shown to decrease the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and improve daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOU) can be employed to guide the surgery and prevent massive bleeding. Study Design Cohort study with historical control. Methods A cohort study to compare the outcomes between OSA patients who received TORS with and without IOU assistance. Results From 2016 to 2019, this study enrolled 80 OSA patients who underwent TORS in BOT: 57 in the IOU(+) and 23 in IOU(−) groups. The TORS with IOU presented with shorter operative time, less blood loss, and greater excised BOT volume. The IOU(+) group had greater improvement in the AHI and subjective questionnaire evaluation. The excised volume of BOT was significantly associated with the change in AHI. Conclusion The IOU could improve outcomes in BOT reduction surgery without raising the risk of surgical complications. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope , 132:1125–1131, 2022