Coblation^TM-assisted excision of suprastomal granulation tissue

Suprastomal granulation tissue is a common complication of long-term tracheostomy. It may be associated with bleeding, aphonia, airway obstruction and delayed decannulation.

This study describes the experience of a tertiary paediatric medical centre with Coblation^TM-assisted suprastomal granulation tissue excision.

Thirteen children (mean age, 5.7 years) who underwent the procedure from 2013 to 2019 because of delayed decannulation or aphonia were included. Lumen obstruction ranged from 50 to 90 per cent, with a mean of 68.8 per cent. After the procedure, decannulation was successfully performed in 7 patients, and voice quality improved in 10 patients. There were no peri- or post-operative complications.

This is the largest series to date that describes Coblation used for the treatment of suprastomal granuloma. Coblation has advantages of high precision, relatively low temperature (thereby avoiding thermal injury to adjacent tissue), haemostatic resection and feasibility for use for even large granulomas. The promising results should prompt further studies in larger samples.