Radiofrequency coblation for the resection of head and neck malignancies.

Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of the use of radiofrequency coblation for endoscopic resection of upper aerodigestive tract malignancies and to compare length of procedures using coblation with CO(2) laser surgery.

Study Design And Setting: A retrospective case-note review of 40 adult patients with endoscopically treated mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, 20 having undergone resection using radiofrequency coblation and being case-matched to 20 treated with CO(2) laser.

Results: Coblation proved to be an effective method for resection of selected head and neck malignancies.