Emerging Roles of Coblation in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery

Coblation is a technology that incorporates bipolar radiofrequency energy to ablate tissue at relatively low temperatures. Its use for sinonasal surgery is actively being investigated, including applications for turbinate reduction, sinus surgery, skull base surgery, and adenoidectomy. Potential benefits include reduction in blood loss, improved endoscopic surgical visualization, and reduction in postoperative pain. The main drawbacks are its relatively high cost, potential adverse effects on functional epithelium, and relative paucity of long-term outcomes.