Coblation Assisted Surgeries

Coblation Channeling of the tongue (CCT) can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Nasal intubation is recommended for better access under general anaesthesia. Maximum reduction in tongue volume typically occurs around eight weeks post-procedure. This minimally invasive method can be performed under local or general anaesthesia with minimal risk of complications. If the initial clinical outcome is unsatisfactory, the tongue channeling procedure can be repeated after three months. Postop care includes encouraging the patient to eat and drink as normal, and administering antibiotics according to local guidelines.

Due to the existence of several surgical methods to treat OSA, one approach is to start with more minimally invasive procedures with lower morbidity and progress to more extensive surgeries if needed. A study has shown when palatal surgery alone is performed for sleep disordered breathing, a proportion of patients do not achieve an adequate result. With the availability of a minimally invasive option for treatment of any retrolingual segment collapse, there is an option of performing a modified UPPP along with CCT without any apparent extra risk to patients.

This study has demonstrated such intervention delivers extremely good surgical outcomes with minimal morbidity. This two-level combination procedure could be considered a potential first-line surgical option for all patients with snoring or OSA. More extensive staged surgery can always be performed if required. In this cohort, further surgery has rarely been necessary.