A Double-Anonymised Histopathological Comparative Study of CO2 Laser and Coblation in Head and Neck Surgery

CO2 Laser and Coblation are widely used in Head and neck Surgeries. This study compares the tissue changes produced by these two techniques. 50 Patients who underwent complete excision of benign and malignant pathologies in the Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, and Larynx with Coblation and CO2 Laser were included in the study. The primary excised specimen and another separate specimen from the base of the excised lesion were evaluated histologically based on criteria by Vescovi et al. (1). On histopathological examination, thermal effects (epithelial, connective tissue and vascular) produced by both techniques were comparable. However vascular changes were seen more in tissues CO2 Laser (P = 0.727). Incision margins were more regular in the CO2 Laser group (73%) than in Coblation (55%) but not statistically significant (P = 1.80). Depth of thermal damage (P = 0.171) and connective tissue changes(P = 0.279) was more with Coblation. Both Coblation and CO2 Laser can be used effectively in Head and Neck cases. CO2 Laser, when available, is a better option because of its precise excision, and less collateral tissue damage.

Endoscopic transcanal coblation excision of glomus tympanicum: a novel technique

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of coblation in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study carried out over 28 patients with types I and II glomus tympanicum tumors according to GLASSCOCK-JACKSON classification. Preoperative radiological and endocrinal evaluation were performed. All patients underwent endoscopic transcanal excision of their glomus tympanicum tumors using coblation.

RESULTS

None of the patients developed recurrence during the 1-year follow up period proved radiologically. None of the patients developed facial palsy postoperatively. Differences between preoperative and postoperative dizziness and taste disturbance were statistically non-significant. Tinnitus disappeared completely in 22 patients postoperatively. A statistically significant reduction in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) after surgery was found. Statistically significant reductions in postoperative air conduction (AC) threshold and air bone gap (ABG) were recorded while bone conduction (BC) threshold showed statistically non-significant change.

CONCLUSION

Coblation is an effective and safe tool in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors. Further studies comparing coblation with laser and piezosurgery are strongly recommended.

Transoral Endoscopic Excision of Laryngeal Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

Schwannomas originating within the larynx are rare and there is no clear consensus on the diagnostic workup or treatment. This study aims to explore the clinical features of laryngeal schwannoma and evaluate the surgical method of transoral endoscopic excision, especially with coblation.

METHODS

Data from patients diagnosed with laryngeal schwannoma who underwent surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were evaluated with a flexible laryngoscope and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging before surgery.

RESULTS

Four patients, comprising one male and three females aged 19 to 61years, were included. All patients presented with persistent and progressive hoarseness, and two also experienced dyspnea on exertion. One patient was a recurrent case who underwent transoral tumor resection with a laser, while another patient had received a transoral incisional biopsy before visiting our hospital. Transoral excision was performed in each case. One tumor was excised using microlaryngeal instruments under a microscope, and the other three with coblation assisted by an operating laryngoscope. All laryngeal schwannomas were removed in a single block. All patients were successfully extubated following surgery, recovered without complications, and showed no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Transoral surgery better preserves laryngeal function, reduces complications, and shortens hospital stays. Transoral endoscopic excision, particularly when performed with coblation, is highly recommended for its excellent visualization and ability to completely excise the tumor. This method is a safe and effective approach, especially for large laryngeal schwannomas in hard-to-reach locations.

A Clinical Study on Video Bronchoscopy-guided Coblation for Benign Central Airway Stenosis

Background: Benign central airway stenosis poses a significant challenge to respiratory and thoracic surgeons due to the high recurrence rate associated with current treatment methods, causing severe breathing difficulties and potentially life-threatening complications. This article aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and prospects of using coblation in the management of benign central airway stenosis in adults. Moreover, the pathogenesis of benign central airway stenosis was deeply explored to provide better guidance for future clinical treatments. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study examined patients with benign central airway stenosis who were treated at The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2017 to 2020. In addition, a comparative analysis of whole-genome sequencing was conducted between the aforementioned patient group and healthy populations to investigate the underlying etiology of this stenotic condition. Results: The present study encompassed 32 patients who underwent 43 treatments in total between 2017 and 2020. All patients exhibited alleviation of airway stenosis and an improvement in clinical symptoms following surgery, without any significant surgical or postoperative complications. Whole-genome analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression in the airway mucosa of patients with benign airway stenosis in comparison to healthy populations. A total of 91 differentially expressed genes were identified, among which 44 upregulated genes displayed characteristics of promoting inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Coblation demonstrates promise as an efficacious treatment modality for adults suffering from benign central airway stenosis, and its widespread application in clinical settings is anticipated. The direct pathogenesis of benign central airway stenosis involves airway lumen narrowing and obstruction resulting from excessive inflammation and proliferative granulation.

A clinical study of C arm-guided selective spinal nerve block combined with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation of dorsal root ganglion in the treatment of zoster-related neuralgia

Background

This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy and psychological response of low-temperature plasma ablation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) combined with selective spinal nerve block in patients with acute or subacute zoster-related neuralgia (ZRN).

Methods

Totally 90 ZRN patients were randomly and evenly divided into three groups. Treatment was given to Group A using C arm-guided selective spinal nerve block (C-SSVB), Group B using C-SSVB and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), and Group C using C-SSVB and low-temperature plasma ablation of the DRG. The outcomes were examined using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Anxiety and depression of patients were evaluated using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Quality of life was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and postoperative Satisfaction scale. In addition, data on adverse events and medication usage rates were collected.

Results

The 90 patients were eligible for this study. The three treatments reduced VAS scores with no significant difference between groups A and B at the same time points; however, group B tended to have numerically lower VAS scores. Comparatively, group C had significantly reduced VAS scores on day 1 and 1 month after treatment compared with the other two groups. In terms of the decreasing SAS, SDS and PSQI scores, all the three treatments improved the anxiety, depression and sleep quality of the patients. In addition, significant alleviation in anxiety was found in group C compared with group A at all- time points. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in treatment-related adverse events that mainly focused on puncture pain at the surgical-site, skin numbness and medication usage rates.

Conclusions

C-SSVB and LTPRA of DRG will be considered as a promising treatment option for ZRN patients if those results can be confirmed after further validation.

Operative technique in laryngeal paraganglioma: A case series and literature review

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Laryngeal paragangliomas are a rare subset of head and neck neoplasms, of neuroendocrine origin. We present a series of four cases of confirmed laryngeal paragangliomas and discuss our operative technique using coblation‐assisted excision via laryngofissure.

Radiofrequency coblation assisted transoral excision of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst

Radiofrequency coblation (RFC) is a relatively new device that has been used in several transoral procedures. Currently, clinical data on its use for excising lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (LTGDC) are lacking. Herein, we conducted this retrospective case series to explore the feasibility and efficacy of RFC-assisted transoral surgery (RFC-TOS) in excising LTGDC. A total of 12 LTGDC patients between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively studied. The cysts of these patients were all fully removed along the boundary to the depth of the hyoid using RFC wands. All surgeries were completed within 30 minutes. Only one patient had an intraoperative blood loss of more than 10 ml. All patients started oral feeding on the day of operation. The mean postoperative hospital stay was only 3.3 days (range 1-8 days). No surgical-related short-term and long-term complications were observed. One patient was lost to follow up, and no recurrences occurred during a mean follow-up period of 52.7 months among the other 11 patients. Therefore, we believe that RFC is a reliable tool in transoral operation for treating LTGDC. LTGDC patients who underwent RFC-TOS showed quick recovery, low risks of complications, and excellent clinical and functional outcomes.

Possibilities of coblation in otorhinolaryngology: analytical review

OBJECTIVE

Review literature data on the coblation method in otorhinolaryngology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All materials from our study are published in peer-reviewed journals. The review is PubMed generated. In our clinic, 20 patients with bilateral paralytic laryngeal stenosis underwent cold-plasma posterior arytenoidcordotomy with Coblator II.

RESULTS

The analysis of the high-energy techniques currently applied in otorhinolaryngology shows the benefits of coblation due to the effect of lower temperatures on tissues. Patients subjectively reported improved breathing on day 10 with a closed coblation tracheostoma; after 3-6 months everyone underwent successful decannulation with plastic surgery of the cutaneous-tracheal fistula. Lately, the operated vocal fold was in the abduction position and the lumen of the glottis in the posterior third was 7-8 mm. Compensation of vocal function in the long-term postoperative period was achieved by patients due to long-term orthophonic training and the development of a vestibuloscapular phonation mechanism.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of coblation are mainly minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, convenient resection, the ability to perform complete hemostasis at one time, and easier postoperative period for the patient.

Effect of Cooling Irrigating Saline in Tongue Base Ablation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective

Plasma is formed by creating a high-density energy field within an electrically conductive fluid such as saline. Sometimes ablated bits of tissue get stuck between the electrodes of the wand, obstructing the suction channel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cooling the irrigating saline during ablation of the hypertrophied tongue base in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting

An otorhinolaryngology department in Main University hospitals.

Methods

Sixty adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea and tongue base hypertrophy underwent tongue base ablation surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each: cooled saline and room temperature saline. The Coblation wand used was the EVac 70 Xtra HP (Smith & Nephew).

Results

In this study, a significant difference in operative time (mean ± SD) was seen between groups: 21.2 ± 5.5 minutes in the cold group and 47 ± 9.5 minutes in the control group (P = .001). The wands in the cold group did not obstruct, while all the wands in the control group were obstructed by tissue clogs with variable degrees, hence wasting more time to clean the wands’ tips.

Conclusion

Cooling the irrigating saline overcame the problem of wand clogs, and the wand tip did not occlude at all during the procedures, thus saving time lost in wand cleaning and demonstrating a faster and safer surgical procedure. Further studies are needed to identify the hemostatic effect of the cooled saline over the regular one.

Paediatric patient bleeding and pain outcomes following subtotal (tonsillotomy) and total tonsillectomy: a 10-year consecutive, single surgeon series

BACKGROUND

Subtotal tonsil surgery (tonsillotomy) remains a controversial procedure. We aimed to document bleeding rates and return to normal activity for total versus subtotal tonsil surgery in the paediatric population.

METHODS

A 10-year cohort of 608 children from a single-surgeon series was analysed. Bleeding events were classified using the Flinders modification of the Stammberger criteria. Return to normal activity was defined as normal diet and return to childcare/school.

RESULTS

A total of 8.3% of tonsil procedures and a subtotal of 1.8% of procedures had some kind of bleeding episode (P < 0.01; odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-7.6). When blood-stained sputum (type A bleed) was excluded, this dropped to 2.5% versus 0.3%, respectively (P < 0.05; odds ratio 8.5; 95% CI 1.2-96.0). Return to normal activities occurred at a mean of 11.1 (95% CI 9.7-12.5) versus 4.6 (95% CI 4.0-5.3) days, respectively (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In this 10-year single surgeon series, subtotal tonsillectomy or 'tonsillotomy' was associated with a significant reduction in both prevalence and severity of bleeding, in addition to a more rapid return to normal activities when compared to total tonsillectomy.

Clinical Effects of Radiofrequency Coblation for Adult Laryngopharyngeal Vascular Lesions

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of transoral radiofrequency coblation surgery (TRS) in the treatment of adult laryngopharyngeal vascular lesion (LVL).

METHODS

A total of 15 patients with LVL were retrospectively studied, including 11 capillary lesions and five cavernous lesions (there was one case with two separate lesions). All of the lesions were treated with TRS alone (capillary lesion) or with a combination of TRS and sclerotherapy (cavernous lesion). The treatment efficacy was evaluated according to the modified Achauer criteria: grade 1, no change in size; grade 2, a decrease of < 50% in size; grade 3, a decrease of ≥ 50% but < 100%; and grade 4, the disappearance of the lesion with no recurrence for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

The surgical procedures were successfully completed in all patients. According to the modified Achauer criteria, the treatment outcomes were grade 4 for 10 capillary lesions and one cavernous lesion; grade 3 for one capillary lesion and one cavernous lesion; grade 2 for one cavernous lesion; and grade 1 for two cavernous lesions, respectively. No complications related to the surgery, including bleeding, dysphagia, and infections, occurred after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The TRS is an effective treatment option for LVL, especially for patients with laryngopharyngeal capillary lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:566-570, 2021.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided C2 Nerve Root Coblation for Cervicogenic Headache

OBJECTIVE

The cervicogenic headache is a syndrome caused by dysfunction of the upper cervical spine and its component bony, disc, and/or soft tissue elements. The C2 nerve root may play a pivotal role in cervicogenic headache. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided C2 nerve root coblation in managing 26 patients with cervicogenic headache.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the patient's medical records and pain questionnaires.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 109 patients with cervicogenic headache sustained for at least six months were identified. Of those patients, 26 had a visual analog scale score ≥6 and subsequently underwent an ultrasound-guided C2 nerve root coblation.

RESULTS

All 26 patients had >50% pain relief one day after coblation. Twenty-three of the 26 patients (92.31%) had a decrease in their pain score of 50% or more at 24-week follow-up. The mean pain score was 7.38 ± 1.13 before coblation and 1.85 ± 0.83 one day after coblation (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.001). At 12 and 24 weeks after coblation, the mean pain scores were 2.96 ± 0.96 (P < 0.001) and 3.08 ± 1.38 (P < 0.008), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

C2 nerve coblation may provide the majority of patients with a pain relief period as long as 24 weeks. And ultrasound guidance is an efficient method with which to perform coblation.

The assistance of coblation in arytenoidectomy for vocal cord paralysis

BACKGROUND

There are many causes for vocal cord paralysis, which can cause difficulty in breathing in serious cases. The common surgical methods for solving vocal cord paralysis include laryngeal splitting or laser surgery, but there are limitations. Plasma radiofrequency ablation is a new treatment with good achievements in clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of coblation-assisted arytenoidectomy (CSA) in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP).

METHODS

All patients had undergone preoperative electrolaryngoscopic examination of the glottidis rima; electronic laryngoscopy can assess the width of the glottis. The purpose of preoperative electronic laryngoscopic evaluation is to assess the width of the glottis, and arytenoid cartilage movement. Unilateral arytenoid cartilage and a section of the vocal cords were removed in all cases.

RESULTS

Of the 14 patients, 13 were successfully extubated after CSA; 1 patient could not be extubated and underwent a second CSA of the contralateral arytenoid cartilage, after which extubation was achieved. All patients were continuously followed up (6 months to 2 years), and all achieved satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

CSA can effectively relieve post-CSA dyspnea in patients with BVCP. More patients underwent tracheal cannula extubation after tracheotomy compared with other surgeries.

Coblation nasal septal swell body reduction for treatment of nasal obstruction: a preliminary report

In this paper, we present the results of coblation nasal septal swell body (NSB) reduction for the treatment of nasal obstruction in patients with abnormally thickened NSB. The study design was a retrospective clinical series conducted at a single tertiary medical center. Eight patients underwent coblation NSB reduction. Pre-operative and post-operative nasal functions were evaluated by acoustic rhinometry and subjective symptom scales. We also analyzed pre-operative CT scan images and nasal endoscopic findings. The mean maximal NSB width was 16.4 ± 2.2 mm on pre-operative coronal CT scan images. The mean visual analog scale score for nasal obstruction was decreased from preoperative 7.63 ± 0.99 points to 3.88 ± 0.92 points (postoperative 3 months), 4.16 ± 0.78 points (postoperative 6 months), and 4.63 ± 0.69 points (postoperative 1 year). Six out of the eight patients were satisfied with the clinical outcome at 1 year after the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, coblation NSB reduction has not yet been reported in the medical literature. Our results show that it can be an effective treatment modality for nasal valve narrowing in patients with abnormally thickened NSB.

Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation on Healing of Infected Full-Thickness Wounds in Minipigs

The success of debridement is critical to optimize the treatment outcomes of traumatic wounds. To investigate the impact of radiofrequency ablation on healing potential of infected wounds, minipigs with infected full-thickness skin defects on backs were divided into 4 treatment groups randomly: radiofrequency ablation debridement, electric knife debridement, sharp instrument debridement, and no treatment. The healing rate, healing time, tissue filling rate, bacterial quantitative, and histological assay were evaluated postoperatively. The results obtained provide evidence that the wounds after radiofrequency ablation treatment enhanced the skin wound-healing efficacy and had better outcomes of tissue filling compared with other debridement therapies. Furthermore, we quantified the bacterial counting level in wound samples, and the results revealed a more significant decreasing trend in radiofrequency ablation group than that of the electric knife debridement group and the sharp instrument debridement group. Postoperative histological measurements showed that there were better granulation formation and re-epithelialization and collagen deposition in radiofrequency ablation–treated wounds than those in other groups. The present findings demonstrate that radiofrequency ablation has a significantly influence on reducing the number of bacteria and improving the healing quality and is a promising candidate for treatment of infected wounds.

Modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and coblation channeling of the tongue for obstructive sleep apnea: a multi-centre Australian trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To investigate the surgical outcomes and efficacy of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mod UPPP) and Coblation channelling of the tongue (CCT) as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Adult patients with simple snoring or obstructive sleep apnea were treated with combined modified UPPP, bilateral tonsillectomy, and CCT (N = 48). Full polysomnography was performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative clinical assessment, sleep questionnaires, and patient demographics including body mass index were compared to preoperative data. All polysomnograms were re-scored to AASM recommended criteria by 2 sleep professionals.

RESULTS

The preoperative AHI (median and interquartile range) of 23.1 (10.4 to 36.6) was lowered to a postoperative AHI of 5.6 (1.9 to 10.4) (p < 0.05). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score fell from 10.5 (5.5 to 13.5) to 5.0 (3.09 to 9.5) (p < 0.05). Morbidity of the surgery was low, with no long-term complications recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified UPPP combined with CCT is a highly efficacious intervention for OSA with minimal morbidity. It should be considered for individuals who fail or are intolerant of CPAP or other medical devices.