Liposomal Bupivacaine and Transoral Robotic Surgery

This study is for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We want to learn more about how we can optimize pain control in patients who undergo transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Our goal is to determine if a local anesthetic called EXPAREL® (Liposomal Bupivacaine) impacts postsurgical pain and swallow function in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing TORS. EXPAREL® is an FDA-approved anesthetic drug that provides long-lasting and precise pain relief when injected into the surgical wound. Our study team wants to determine if injecting EXPAREL® into the surgical wound will provide better pain relief and swallow function when compared to patients who do not undergo postoperative EXPAREL® injection. Both options for postoperative pain control are considered standard of care for patients undergoing TORS.