Treatment of nasopharyngeal papillomatosis with coblation: a case series

Background: Nasopharyngeal papillomatosis is uncommon. Access and visualization make excision difficult, increasing the risk for recurrence. We present a novel technique for excision of nasopharyngeal papillomatosis. Methods: A case series of 3 patients with recurrent papilloma of the nasopharynx (NP) were treated with endoscopic transnasal coblation. We used an Arthrocare EVac 70 Coblator (setting: coblation-9, coagulation-5). Results: Using transnasal endoscopic coblation, we performed complete excision in 3 patients with recurrent papilloma of the NP (4 total procedures). There were no complications. One patient had a minor recurrence, which was successfully re-excised with the same technique. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal papillomas can be difficult to excise. Multiple techniques have been described using a transoral approach, with no reported complications. However, surgical access to the entire NP is more challenging with a transoral approach. Also, bleeding and poor visualization secondary to bleeding can be encountered with these techniques. These problems were not encountered with transnasal coblation. The absence of eschar and decreased collateral thermal damage make coblation preferable to cauterization or laser excision. This proposed technique enables more complete visualization and removal of disease, which may reduce recurrence rates. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.