Endoscopic partial epiglottectomy (EPE) by coblation in chronic hypertrophic adult epiglottitis with airway obstruction.

Background: Adult chronic epiglottic hypertrophy with a folded epiglottis obstructing the laryngeal inlet and airway is frequently encountered in our specialty. Partial epiglottectomy to resolve obstruction is performed using diathermy, laser, and transoral robotic surgery. Coblation is a plasma-mediated ablation technique that has recently been used in laryngeal surgery.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of endoscopic partial epiglottectomy (EPE) using coblation.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on nine patients who underwent EPE using coblation.
Results: All patients were men between the second and fifth decades of life, who presented with stridor, muffled voice, and odynophagia. These symptoms improved postoperatively, with mild transient aspiration encountered in three cases and minimal granulation tissue observed in four cases. Supraglottic stenosis was noted in three cases, with no respiratory obstruction. Conclusion: Endoscopic partial epiglottectomy by coblation is safe, effective, and a better alternative than diathermy and laser, with less operative time, control of bleeding, less tissue damage, and no need for precautions.