Coblation ® adenotonsillectomy

“Coblation ®” stands for “Controlled ablation“, which is a process of reducing the size of something. Coblation ®technology combines low-temperature radio frequency energy with saline to create a plasma field. This plasma field is contained at the tip of the device and dissolves tissues molecule by molecule, resulting in a precise dissection of targeted tissue. The process generates significantly lower temperatures on the contact tissue, therefore minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Why it is used?

It results In less blood loss and tissue damage, reduced post-surgical pain and no significant morbidities such as postoperative hemorrhage. It minimizes the post-operative recovery period, thus ensuring earlier return to normal activity without increasing post operative complications.

How it is used?

Coblation® is a kind of radiofrequency surgery. The technique involves passing radiofrequency energy through a conductive medium (such as isotonic sodium chloride) and producing a plasma field. When current from the radiofrequency probe passes through saline medium, it breaks it into sodium and chloride ions. These highly energized ions form a plasma field strong enough to break organic molecular bonds within soft tissue, causing dissolution. This reaction is achieved at temperatures between 60℃ and 70℃ (compared to 400℃ to 600℃ in electrosurgery). The presence of cool, irrigating isotonic saline helps limit the amount of heat delivered to the surrounding structures [1,2]. Coblation® is operated in low temperatures, so it is proposed that tonsillectomy with Coblation® causes less post-operative pain and allows accelerated healing of the tonsillar fossae compared with other methods involving heat-driven processes.

When it is used?

Coblation ® technology is widely used in the field of otolaryngology for performing:

• Tonsillectomy

• Adenoidectomy

• UPPP

• Tongue base reduction

• Turbinate reduction

• Kashima procedure for bilateral abductor paralysis

• Papilloma vocal cords

• Nasal polypectomy

• Cordectomy

• Uvulo palate pharyngoplasty