Buccal Fat for Transoral Robotic Lateral Oropharyngectomy Defects to and Postoperative Pain

Opening soon Phase 2 NCT06965738

Run by University Health Network, Toronto · for 18 and older · All sexes

What this study is about

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the pain intensity during rest and swallowing in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery for tonsil lesions with and without buccal fat reconstruction. The main question it aims to answer is: does buccal fat after transoral robotic surgery reduce pain after surgery? Additional questions to be explored include if there is a difference in swallowing, complication rates, pain medication usage, and feeding tube usage. Participants will be asked to rate their pain and swallowing on a visual analogue scale after surgery. The group will be compared compared to a control group that undergoes transoral robotic surgery without buccal fat reconstruction.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

Age > 18
Require a transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy as a result of the following conditions :
- Early - intermediate stage tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (T1-2N0-1 p16+/- SCC of the palatine tonsils)
- Early -intermediate stage salivary gland tumors of the palatine tonsils
- based on FNA, Core biopsy, Punch biopsy
Ability to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

History of prior head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or prior head and neck radiotherapy
Presence of retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy
Presence of bilateral lymphadenopathy, or patients requiring bilateral neck dissections.
Patients with trismus at baseline
Patients with psychological risk factors for persistent opioid use or drug addiction
Need for open surgery (transcervical lateral oropharyngectomy), free tissue transfer, or alternative regional flap.
Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Christopher Yao, MD FRCSC · (416) 340-3063 · christophermkl.yao@uhn.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06965738.

Open the interactive checklist for this trial →

Verify everything on the official ClinicalTrials.gov record. Page updated July 2026.

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