Getting Transoral robotic surgery (TORS): What can I expect?

Mike, good luck with that. No way of knowing about your pain levels as that depends on factors such as age and tolerance. Usually a tumor on a tonsil will depend on when they get clear margins. The pain should be like an adult tonsillectomy, burns for a few days, better in a week. Lymph node destruction on the other hand, well, I would have a pre-op discussion with my surgeon as to the balance of life quality versus search and destroy.

Hi Mike, Best of luck with your procedure. I had TORS last year. A humidifier was beneficial in my recovery. I placed it next to my bed while I slept.
Eric

I had TORS surgery on June 25 at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. Both tonsils were removed and I had neck dissection on both sides. I’m 77 and fit for my age. No surprises from the surgery—there was a 2cm tumor on my right tonsil, and one lymph node involvement (contained) on the right. No evidence on the left, but PET scan had shown a suspicious area—it was negative but had to be sure.. One night in the hospital and released next afternoon. Recognizing that everone is different, here’s my experience. They told me it would be the worst two weeks of my life, so get ready mentally. First 2-3 days were not as bad as expected, but then—as predicted by Mayo—it took a turn for the worse. That lasted almost a week, and now it’s gradually improving but still sore. During good times pain was about 3 of 10 after taking drugs. Bad times were very uncomfortable at about 8 of 10. They should give you guidance on diet—all liquid for at least a week—protein shakes, smoothies, ice cream, mashed potatoes, etc. nothing chunky. Try to maintain your weight and drink lots of water—I’ve lost about 5 pounds so far, which is better than they predicted. Don’t push the diet to solid foods because your throat needs time to heal, and that could aggravate it. Stay ahead of the pain by being sure you take all the meds—steriods, oxy, tylenol, motrin, magic mouthwash (lidocaine), etc. I started off taking pills with unseasoned apple sauce. They’ll constipate you, so immediately also take stool softener from day one. I slept in a recliner the first week until the drains were removed. Stay positive, it’s all manageable. Good luck!

@abes1068, how is recovery going? What tips would you give someone about to have transoral robotic surgery (TORS)? Or what do you wish you had known?

I’m heading home now. Got out yesterday a day early. Practice swallowing exercises before during and after. Take extra swallows after you’ve finished any liquids or foods to prevent choking. I’m eating soft foods and drinking all liquids. Arm on side of surgery can’t lift above head which I wasn’t aware of. Drink lots and try to get as much rest as possible! Pain was minimal. Just on Tylenols.

Pain has definitely increased and more trouble swallowing day 4-5. 2 tramadol every 4 hours. Barely able to eat or drink. Hopefully it gets better soon.

Thx. This sounds just like my present experience. Was pretty easy first few days, now unbearable pain. Hard to drink or eat anything. Gotta stay on top of meds that’s for sure.

Day 9-10, pain got better. 3 weeks out now and continuing to improve. Taking it slow on diet, but stopped all pain meds about 3 days ago. Hang in there—you’re on the home stretch!

Yes. I forgot about a humidifier!!! 👍

I had TORS surgery April 2023 to remove base of tongue tumor ( negative margins during surgery). The lymph nodes on one side of Neck were removed and sent off to Pathology. I was considered State 2/ minor Stage 3. I would say my TORS peak pain was around Day 3-5 and It was gradually improved. Stay on strict Med schedule as you will need them to eat or at least that was my case. Dysphagia and Not being about to swallow (eat or drink) can be a problem. I started doing mouth,Neck, tongue and swallowing exercises prior to surgery. If you have a Speech therapist they can help you with this. Also, There are tons of Youtube videos on the subject. It was a struggle to eat after but improved greatly within one month. You will lose appetite and everything has no taste. During recovery I was eating very soft diet. Think eggs, cottage cheese, Milk, Smoothies, bologna, Boost,Shakes, soups, etc. A meal would take an hour. I FORCED myself to eat. My taste buds were all but gone, I had mucositis with very low saliva production. You are facing a very winnable battle but make no mistake it is a difficult journey. I firmly believe if you have faith the Good Lord will get you through anything. Good luck to you. You can and will make it!