[Preliminary study on treatment of lingual tonsil hypertrophy by endoscopic assisted coblation]

To investigate the feasibility and safety of lingual tonsil excision by endoscopic assisted coblation.

Twenty seven cases with lingual tonsil hypertrophy were recruited in this study. Preoperative fibrolaryngoscope and CT and (or) MRI examination of the base of the tongue, lingual tonsil was removed by 70 degrees nasal endoscopy-assisted plasma radiofrequency after nasotracheal intubation. The tongue wound healing and post-operative bleeding were observed after operation, the advantages of the endoscopic-assisted plasma radiofrequency on lingual tonsil removal were analyzed, and its feasibility and safety were summarized.

During the surgery the base of the tongue and epiglottis had satisfaction exposure in the same operative field. No complications happened in the surgery and endotracheal tube was plucked safely after operation. There was no primary bleeding, and the number of secondary bleeding were 4 cases, accounting for 14.81% (4/27), respectively occurred on the sixth, seventh, tenth and twelfth day with the amount of bleeding of 30-70 ml. The bleeding were cured after conservative treatment or re-application applicating of radiofrequency; 27 patients had no taste disturbance, and they were followed up for 6-30 months without recurrence.

Lingual tonsil excision by nasal endoscopic-assisted coblation has enough exposure, complete resection and low recurrence rate. Stopping bleeding should be attentioned to prevent postoperative bleeding.