Histopathological Comparison of Various Tongue Base Reduction Processes

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Sleep Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Tongue base reduction surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for hypopharyngeal obstruction causing obstructive sleep apnea.
• Limited comparative studies exist on various tongue base reduction devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the histological effects of four different tongue base reduction devices: Celon radiofrequency, monopolar cautery, Coblator, and Sutter.
• Evaluate tissue changes, specifically fibrosis and thickness, following these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three female rats were divided into four treatment groups (monopolar cautery, Celon radiofrequency, Coblator, Sutter) and one control group.
• Tongue base reduction was performed using the specified devices.
• Tongues were harvested for histological examination one week post-procedure.

Main Results:

• The Sutter method induced the highest amount of fibrosis, followed by the Coblator.
• All tested methods significantly reduced tissue thickness compared to the control group.
• Tissue reduction was most pronounced in the Sutter group, with monopolar, Celon RF, and Coblator showing similar average tissue thicknesses.

Conclusions:

• All evaluated tongue base reduction methods were deemed safe.
• The Sutter method demonstrated the greatest potential for tissue reduction and induced the most significant fibrosis.