Long‐term swallowing outcomes following transoral surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy vs adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma: Our experience in 37 patients

Approximately 75% of patients are recommended adjuvant oncological treatment after transoral surgery (TOS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy can result in significant long-term swallowing difficulties, which can negatively impact upon quality of life. This prospective study utilised a comprehensive and complementary set of measures, including a patient reported, clinician-rated and an objective measure, to assess the change in swallowing function at long-term follow-up in patients undergoing TOS and adjuvant therapy. Our results suggest a trend towards greater long-term swallowing impairment with adjuvant chemoradiotherpy compared to adjuvant radiotherapy alone. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.