Coblation Turbinoplasty
Patients suffering from nasal allergy always present with, sneezing, nasal blockage, headache, itchy nose and postnasal drip. This is very incapacitating. After trying medical treatment or when getting fed up using sprays and antihistamines and steroid, one can think of undergoing Coblation Turbinoplasty.
The lateral wall of the nasal passages have three turbinates. Turbinates are small bony structures that are covered with cavernous tissue and mucous membrane. Allergies or other conditions can cause irritation and enlargement of these tissue resulting in what is commonly called a blocked or stuffy nose.
Turbinate Coblation (Cold_Ablation) is a process that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology.
Procedure done under Local anesthetic
First, the surgeon will introduce a local anesthetic with saline into the nasal turbinates. Once the nose is numb, a specialized wand (Reflex ultra 45) is inserted into each turbinate. The tip of this device is extremely small in order to minimize any discomfort after the procedure. While the wand is being inserted, it is simultaneously removing tissue as it moves through the turbinate, causing an immediate reduction in turbinate size. Once in position, the wand is held in place for 10-15 seconds while additional Coblation therapy is applied. This therapy creates a channel inside the turbinate.
Over the next few weeks, this channel will cause the turbinate to shrink, thus relieving nasal obstruction, and in most cases, restoring normal breathing. Also the symptoms of Nasal allergy.
As the Coblator work in saline field, it is important to inject normal saline or apply Saline gel to the turbinates before the procedure.
This procedure is hardly takes 10 minutes. It is painless and can be done as a day case.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.
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