Skin Burn Related to Coblation-Assisted Turbinoplasty

J Craniofac Surg. 2016 Nov;27(8):e724-e726. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003041.

Abstract

Coblation-assisted turbinoplasty is an effective and safe method to manage nasal obstruction. The common complications of the procedure are pain, bleeding, and crust formation. Since coblation does not generate high heat, direct burn injuries by coblation have been rarely reported. Nevertheless, the authors experienced a skin burn injury in a patient, which is the first patient related to coblation-assisted turbinoplasty. Therefore, surgeons need to be careful and prepared for an inadvertent heat injury at the site that touches the coblation device. Here the authors present a patient along with suggestions to prevent the aforesaid accident.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Burns, Electric / complications*
  • Burns, Electric / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nasal Obstruction / surgery*
  • Rhinoplasty / adverse effects*
  • Rhinoplasty / methods
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / etiology*
  • Turbinates / surgery*