Advances in Oral Cavity Surgery: Precision, Preservation, and Progress in Oncologic and Functional Outcomes
09-10, 14:00–15:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Head & Neck Surgery 3

Description: This session will explore recent advancements in oral cavity surgery that balance oncologic control with preservation of function and quality of life. It will highlight innovative surgical approaches, including microvascular free flap reconstruction, and nerve-preserving techniques that minimize morbidity. Emerging trends such as the use of intraoperative imaging, navigation systems, and fluorescence-guided surgery for margin assessment will be discussed. Additionally, the session will examine the role of precision diagnostics and molecular profiling in surgical planning, along with multidisciplinary strategies to enhance functional outcomes in speech, swallowing, and aesthetics following resection.

Outcome Objectives:

  1. Describe current surgical innovations in the treatment of oral cavity cancers, including TORS and advanced reconstructive techniques.

  2. Evaluate the role of image-guided and fluorescence-assisted surgery in achieving clear margins.

  3. Understand the impact of nerve preservation and reconstructive strategies on postoperative function and quality of life.

  4. Integrate molecular and genomic data into surgical planning and risk stratification.

  5. Apply multidisciplinary strategies to optimize oncologic and functional outcomes in oral cavity cancer care.

Background: Oral cavity cancers present a unique clinical challenge, where surgical treatment must achieve clear oncologic margins while preserving critical functions such as speech, swallowing, and appearance. Historically, extensive resections often led to significant morbidity. However, advances in surgical techniques, reconstruction, and perioperative care have markedly improved both survival and quality of life.

Technologies like transoral robotic surgery have enabled more precise resections in anatomically challenging regions, while microvascular free flaps and 3D planning have enhanced reconstructive outcomes. Intraoperative tools such as fluorescence-guided surgery and augmented imaging systems offer real-time assistance in assessing margins, reducing the risk of local recurrence. Moreover, molecular profiling is increasingly used to guide treatment selection and tailor follow-up.

This session is designed for head and neck surgeons, oncologists, and allied specialists committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care in oral cavity surgery. Through expert-led presentations and case-based discussions, attendees will gain practical knowledge to adopt these advances in their clinical practice.


The purpose of this proposal is to present a dynamic, evidence-based session on advances in oral cavity surgery that emphasize both oncologic excellence and functional preservation. As surgical innovation and personalized medicine converge, this session aims to equip clinicians with the latest knowledge, techniques, and tools to improve outcomes in oral cancer care. By highlighting emerging technologies, reconstructive strategies, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the session will promote thoughtful, patient-centered approaches to complex surgical challenges.

Dr. Çağlar Eker, MD

Date and Place of Birth: June 19, 1988 – Niğde, Turkey

Email: [email protected] | Phone: +90 506 775 58 47

Address: Adana, Turkey

EDUCATION

Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Residency

Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul University (2014–2018)

Medical School

Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University (Graduated: 2013)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Resident Physician

Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Cerrahpaşa Medical School (2014–2018)

ENT Specialist

Islahiye State Hospital, Gaziantep (2018–2021)

Assistant Professor

Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine (2021–Present)

LANGUAGES

English: Advanced

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Eker Ç. et al. Clinical and Radiological Predictors of Oncological Outcomes in T1 Glottic Cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2024.

Eker Ç, et al. Investigation of Post-Earthquake Dizziness After 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes: An Observational Case-Control Study. J Int Adv Otol. 2024

Eker Ç. et al. TLR-2, -3, and -4 Gene Expressions in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2022.

Eker C, et al. Alternating pattern of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis with COVID-19 in diabetic patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023

Eker Ç. et al. Predictive Models for Long-Term Hospitalization and Complications in Deep Neck Infections. ENT Updates, 2024.

Over 10 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Presented in numerous national and international congresses.

Invited Speaker Topics:

Orbital Exenteration (2022)

Stapes Footplate Fistula (2022)

Approach to Carotid Body Tumors (2023)

Oral Cavity Reconstruction with Supraclavicular Island Flap (2023)

CERTIFICATES

European Board of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery – Certificate of Proficiency, 2024

Turkish Board of Otorhinolaryngology – Certificate of Proficiency, 2022

Head & Neck and Thyroid Surgery School Certificate – Turkish ENT Society, 2022

OBSERVERSHIP

Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam (2024)

Department of Head & Neck Surgery

MEMBERSHIPS

Turkish Society of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Çukurova Society of Otorhinolaryngology

REFERENCES

Prof. Dr. M. Mete Kıroğlu – Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine

Email: [email protected]

Prof. Dr. H. Murat Yener – Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul University

Email: [email protected]

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Head & Neck and reconstructive surgeron in the regional hospital of Bolzano, Italy

previous ENT resident in University of Padua

GOLF fellowship graduate in H&N oncology of the IFHNOS

active AIOCC member

main focus in work and research is oral cavity tumors from ablative to reconstructive surgery.

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Medical doctor, specialized head and neck surgeon, MD, PhD, DMSci

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Dr Mattavelli is Associate Professor in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Brescia and Vice-Director of the same school of specialization. He has been working as consultant at ASST Spedali Civili hospital since 2016. He graduated in medicine at the University of Milano-Bicocca in 2010 (110/110 cum laude) and then completed the residency program in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Brescia in 2016 (50/50 cum laude).

In 2020 he discussed his PhD thesis in “Technology for Health” on the project “3-D printing of biocompatible engineered polymers for personalized skull base reconstruction in endoscopic skull base surgery” at the University of Brescia. His main fields of research are endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery and head and neck cancers, with a specific focus on sinonasal, salivary gland, and oral cancers.

He is Associate Editor in Frontiers – Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Editorial Coordinator of Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica. He won 4 international grants as Principal Investigator or co-investigator.

He delivered 101 invited lectures in national and international congresses or courses. He has authored 140 scientific papers in indexed, international journals and 15 chapters of book.

 Bibliometric parameters:

ORCID ID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID): https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7023-6746

Scopus (Author ID: 55382540800):

·      H-Index …………………………25

·      Number of documents…………..152

·      Number of citations………..........1990

Web of Science (ResearcherID: AAC-1548-2019):

·      H-Index …………………………24

·      Number of documents…………...157

Number of citations………...……1779

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Dr. Antoine Melkane is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Saint Joseph University School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.

 Dr. Melkane graduated from the Saint Joseph University School of Medicine in 2004. After completing his Otolaryngology residency at the Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital in 2009, he underwent fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery at the Gustave Roussy Institute, Paris XI University, Villejuif, France (2009-2012), then at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, MI, USA (2012-2013). He joined the Otolaryngology department of the Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital in 2014, and since, has been actively involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients.

 Dr. Melkane holds a Master of Surgical Science from the Paris XI University (2012). His main research interests involve the implication of Human Papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancers, and the role of sentinel node biopsy in early oral cancers. He has published over 40 original articles in peer-reviewed journals. He serves on the scientific board of the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases. He also serves as a reviewer for many other journals including Head & Neck, Laryngoscope, and JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

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