Coblator surgery is available in a small charitable mission hospital in the city of Trivandrum. Any modern technology in the field of medicine should benefit the poor also. Technology has had a great impact on society when it comes to medicine. Thanks to coblator technology, it is helping the poorer sector in this country.
Coblator surgery of throat removes the obstruction in the upper airway, like enlarged tonsils, elongated uvula, large base of Tongue, prominent lateral pharyngeal bands etc. It is done by Laser or Coblator. Coblator is less painful after the operation.
Surgery for Snoring and Obstructive sleep apnea by Laser is always painful in the post operative period, but in Coblation surgery there is relatively much less amount of post operative pain. Also minimal post of swelling and blood loss thanks to the new Coblation technology.
What is Coblation ?
A Powerful, Plasma-Based Technology, a controlled, non-heat driven process uses radiofrequency energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium, such as saline solution, creating a precisely focused plasma.
The plasma’s energized particles have sufficient energy to break molecular bond within tissue, causing tissue to dissolve at relatively low temperatures (typically 40°C to 70°C). The result is volumetric removal of target tissue with minimal damage surrounding tissue. Many Coblation devices also are designed to stop bleeding by coagulating or sealing the bleeding vessels.
Here in Jubilee Hospital Trivandrum, the Snoring and OSA surgery were done for the last few years by Co2 laser. Apart from post operative pain, the results are good in selected patients. The disadvantage of Coblator is the cost factor, it is more expensive than Laser, as the disposable wands are expensive.
For More Details:
Dr.K.O.Paulose FRCS DLO, Consultant ENT Surgeon, Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.