Chronic Granular Pharyngitis-Treatment by Coblation Surgery

by Dr Paulose

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat.

It can be acute or chronic. Acute pharyngitis is caused by bacteria or virus, the latter being more common. Group A and B streptococcus, are the common bacteria that causes acute pharyngitis.

Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis

• It may be the result of repeated attacks of the acute form, or it may come on gradually, the result of continued irritation from smoking or drinking.

• Reflux of gastric acid (GERD) from a disordered stomach may cause this.

• Another common cause is chronic sinusitis and postnasal drip of mucopus in the throat.

The main symptom of chronic granular pharyngitis

Signs and symptoms

The mucous membrane of the pharynx is thickened and of a vivid red in color with granulations. The venules are dilated and tortuous and the mucous surface is studded with small, round, red bodies, the enlarged mucous follicles. The hypertrophied membrane, when relaxed and flabby, appears as if laid in ridges.

Sore throat, dryness of throat, irritation, feeling of lump in the throat, dry cough, frequent throat clearing, voice change, headache, neck pain and excess mucous I the throat.

Treatment

Most sore throats are soon over. In the meantime, the following remedies may help:

• Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.

• Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).

• Adding a little turmeric powder in warm saline is good.

• all sources of irritation are to be avoided- Smoking, the use of alcoholic drinks

• avoid spicy , oily food

• treat sinusitis if any

Medical treatment

• Antibiotics rarely help

• Treatment of GERD

• Treatment of Chronic sinusitis

• Analgesics

• Betadine® throat gargles

Surgical treatment of Chronic Granular pharyngitis-Laser vs Coblator

Laser ablation of granular pharynx was my treatment of choice till Coblation surgery made available. But post operatively laser treatment gives more pain.

Using radio frequency in a bipolar mode with a conductive solution, such as saline, Coblation energizes the ions in the saline to form a small plasma field. The plasma has enough energy to break the tissue’s molecular bonds, creating an ablative path. The thermal effect of this process is approximately 40-70 °C, significantly lower than traditional radio-frequency Coblation® procedures employ radiofrequency (RF) energy to remove tissue and often provide a gentler alternative to other types of surgery. Coblation procedures gently break down tissues resulting in less damage to the surrounding tissue and virtually no bleeding.

Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 32 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 SUT Hospital, in Kerala, India. Read more about Dr Paulose / Read more about SUT Hospital

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