Longitudinal Functional Outcomes After Transoral Robotic Surgery Versus Transoral Videolaryngoscopic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Single‐Center Study

ABSTRACT Objective(s) Direct comparisons of functional outcomes between transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer remain limited. Methods This retrospective single‐center study included 35 patients who underwent TOVS and 13 who underwent TORS. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30, EORTC QLQ‐H&N35, and Hyodo scores were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. A linear mixed‐effects model (LMM) included time, treatment, the group‐by‐time interaction, T stage (Tis/T1/T2 vs. T3), anatomic subsite (Tonsil vs. not Tonsil), prior cancer‐directed treatment, concurrent neck dissection, sex, and age. Results Both groups showed transient postoperative deterioration followed by recovery. In the prespecified primary longitudinal LMM, treatment had no statistically significant main effect on pain, opening mouth, swallowing, or total Hyodo score. Conclusion In this cohort, no statistically significant differences in postoperative quality of life or swallowing recovery were detected between TOVS and TORS. This design does not establish functional equivalence; however, TOVS may be a practical transoral option when robotic systems are unavailable. Level of Evidence 3.