Treatment of the early-stage glottic cancer using low-temperature radiofrequency coblation.

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency (RF) coblation operates at low temperatures (40-70°C) and allows for ablation, hemostasis, and aspiration, in addition to the lesion excision; thermal damage to the surrounding tissues is thus minimized. Herein, we evaluated the benefit of low-temperature RF coblation treatment of the early-stage glottic cancer. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, complications, and efficacy of low-temperature RF coblation as a treatment modality for the early-stage glottic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data obtained from a 1-year study of six T1 glottic cancer patients treated at our department are presented. Six early-stage glottic cancer (Tla = 5; Tlb = 1) patients (male; mean age 60.1 years) treated using low-temperature RF coblation were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS: The outcomes of the surgical technique were analyzed.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Study outcomes were analyzed (noted and/or photographed). All patients were able to eat on the next day after the surgery. No gastric tube or tracheotomy was required. No postoperative cough, discomfort or difficult breathing was noted. No complications, such as recurrence or cervical lymph node metastasis, occurred over the 6-12 months follow-up. All patients regained satisfactory voice 2 months after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the current probe design has limitations for the resection of certain tumors, low-temperature RF coblation appears to be a potentially effective method for the endoscopic resection of selected glottic cancers.