Assessment of Radiofrequency in Otorhinolaryngology at the Military Hospital of Ouakam (MHO)

Abstract

Introduction: Coblation® is a low temperature-controlled tissue ablation technique widely used in human surgery. Its development in otorhinolaryngology has allowed a spectacular advance in the management of diseases of the nasal and oral cavities. The objective of our work was to study the indications for radiofrequency in ENT, to describe the technical aspects and to evaluate the results of his practice at the HMO. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery department of the Ouakam Military Hospital (MHO) over a period of 3 years (from January 2015 to the end of December 2017), involving 37 patients who received radiofrequency treatment in the ENT sphere. Results: The study was carried out on 37 patients. The sex ratio of 0.19. The mean age of the patients was 33.3 years. The indications were dominated by chronic caseous cryptic tonsillitis with or without halitosis with 24 cases (64.9%) followed by recurrent tonsillitis in 5 cases (13.5%) then we have obstructive hypertrophy of the palatal tonsils with syndrome sleep apnea (OSAS) in 4 cases (10.8%) followed by nasal obstruction (hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates) and hypertrophy of the soft palate and uvula in 2 cases (5.4%). The complication rate was 8.1% and dominated by transient dysgeusia in 1 case or 2.7%, uvula edema in 1 case or 2.7% and bleeding in 1 case or 2.7%. The postoperative follow-up was done one week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after radiofrequency. Volumetric reduction begins to set in from 1 month (62.5%) and becomes maximum in 3 months (74.3%). Conclusion: Coblation® is a controlled tissue ablation technique at low temperature, patented by ArthroCare® Corporation in 1997. Very widespread in human surgery. Its development in otorhinolaryngology was later, but allowed a spectacular advance in the management of diseases of the nasal and oral cavities.