Purpose: This study aims to investigate the safety and effectiveness of videolaryngoscope-assisted coblation of epiglottic cysts (VACECs) under general anesthesia.
Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with epiglottic cysts (ECs), underwent VACECs in this prospective clinical series from January 2015 to March 2019. The pre-operative electronic flexible laryngoscopic or 70° rigid laryngeal endoscopic examination was carried out to assess the location and size of ECs. There was a periodical follow-up survey for all patients.
Results: A total 28 of patients were enrolled, including 12 men and 16 women, with an average age of 55 (range 24-78). The patient's medical history ranged from half a month to 2 years. The size of the cyst arranged from 0.8 to 1.5 cm. All patients were cured without pharyngeal or systemic complications. No tooth loss occurred in five patients (17.9%) with loose anterior teeth. Specimen pathology confirmed the diagnosis in all patients. No recurrence was found after more than half a year's follow-up.
Conclusions: VACECs brings together the advantages of videolaryngoscope and coblation. It is a simple, safe and feasible procedure for patients with ECs and is worthy of clinical application.
Keywords: Coblation; Epiglottic cysts; Videolaryngoscope.