Bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) of lymphatic malformations of the tongue

To describe the removal of lymphatic malformations of the tongue using bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation.

We report a retrospective case series at a tertiary care academic children's hospital. Three children with lymphatic malformations of the tongue causing symptomatic pain, bleeding and difficulty eating were treated with bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation). Two children had previously undergone wide local excision, both of whom experienced rapid multifocal recurrences. Using the bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation wand, each lymphatic malformation was ablated to the submucosal surface of the tongue. In all three children, healing occurred by secondary intention.

All three children were able to resume a regular diet and were discharged from the hospital by post-operative day 1. After a minimum 6 months follow-up, none of the lesions have recurred and none have required additional treatment. One child has a palpable scar in the central portion of the tongue, where the previous wide local excision had been closed with sutures. She remains asymptomatic without complaints. There were no complications in any child.

Bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) may provide a safe, simple and effective technique for removal of lymphatic malformations of the tongue in children.