The impact of prophylactic external carotid artery ligation on postoperative bleeding after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

摘要

Background: Transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS) is increasingly utilized in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Postoperative bleeding is a significant and potentially fatal complication of TORS. Prophylactic ligation of ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) branches is a recognized strategy to reduce postoperative bleeding risk. We examined the incidence and sequelae of postoperative oropharyngeal bleeding with and without routine ECA ligation.