Despite the widespread adoption of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in oropharyngeal

cancer, several aspects of surgical strategy remain highly controversial. This round table

will focus on four hot topics that continue to challenge clinical practice: (1) the role of

radiological assessment in surgical planning, with particular attention to whether styloid

process involvement should be considered a contraindication; (2) the debate over margin

adequacy and how oncological safety should be redefined in the HPV-positive era; (3)

the relationship between perioperative bleeding and reconstructive techniques; and (4) the

potential role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patient selection and outcomes. Each

controversy will be addressed by expert panelists through short, case-based presentations

followed by open discussion with the audience. The session aims to provide practical

insights, highlight unresolved questions, and foster a multidisciplinary exchange to

optimize surgical decision-making in oropharyngeal TORS.