Anatomical-based classification for transoral base of tongue resection
Authors
Armando De Virgilio ; Se-Heon Kim ; Chen-Chi Wang ; Floyd Christopher Holsinger ; Scott Magnuson ; Georges Lawson ; Raul Pellini ; Giuseppe Mercante ; Andrea Costantino ; Giuseppe Spriano
Citation
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Vol.43(5) : 1604-1609, 2021-05
Glossectomy ; Humans ; Larynx* ; Oropharynx ; Robotic Surgical Procedures* ; Tongue / surgery ; Tongue Neoplasms* / surgery
Keywords
base of tongue ; endoscopic surgery ; oropharynx ; robotic surgery ; transoral oropharyngectomy
Abstract
Background: To propose a classification of transoral base of tongue (BOT) procedures able to provide uniform terminology in order to better define postoperative results.
Methods: The classification resulted from the consensus of the different authors and is based on anatomical and surgical principles.
Results: The classification comprises three types of BOT resections: type 1 is the resection of the entire lingual tonsil to the muscular plane; type 2 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and part of BOT muscles; type 3 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and the entire BOT muscles. Based on the extension of the dissection, we can use the suffix A (contralateral BOT), B (supraglottic larynx), C (lateral oropharynx), and/or D (oral tongue).
Conclusion: The proposed classification could allow us to easily compare data from different centers.