ArthroCare ENT USPartial Glossectomy
Coblation Partial Glossectomy
Coblation Partial Glossectomy allows for the rapid removal of muscle tissue at the tongue base which may be contributing to lower pharyngeal airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Traditional surgical methods typically involve difficult exposure and result in high morbidity. In comparison, Coblation Partial Glossectomy procedures can significantly reduce submucosal tissue with less pain, edema and postoperative complications.1 The procedure can be performed with virtually any EVac or PROcise Plasma Wand.
Clinical Information
- Woodson BT. Innovative technique for lingual tonsillectomy and midline posterior glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea. Op Tech Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2007;18(1):20-28.
- Mair EA, et al. Submucosal minimally invasive lingual excision (SMILE): Technique for tongue base reduction. Op Tech Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2007;18(1):29-32.
- Mair EA, et al. Submucosal minimally invasive lingual excision: an effective, novel surgery for pediatric tongue base reduction. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2006 Aug;115(8):624-30.
The authors concluded that the SMILE procedure is an effective novel operation that incorporates Coblation with ultrasonography and endoscopic guidance for children who need tongue base reduction. Anatomic dissection and clinical cases demonstrate the potential for aggressive yet relatively safe tissue removal by this minimally invasive technique. SMILE also has significant potential for adults with obstructive sleep apnea due to a large tongue base.
Procedure Videos
Snoring & Sleep Surgery Videos
