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Histologic and Physiologic Effects of Electrocautery, CO 2 Laser, and Radiofrequency Injury in the Porcine Soft Palate
Author(s) -
Courey Mark S.,
Fomin Denilson,
Smith Timothy,
Huang Shan,
Sanders David,
Reinisch Lou
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199908000-00025
Subject(s) - medicine , soft palate , soft tissue , electrosurgery , surgery
Objectives: This study was undertaken to compare the effects of electrosurgery, CO 2 laser, and radiofrequency on the histological structure and physiological properties of the soft palate. These surgical techniques are used for stiffening and reducing the soft palate in the treatment of snoring and mild sleep apnea. Study Design: Fifteen pigs were divided into five groups. Methods: Group 1 underwent electrosurgery incision of the lateral soft palate and excision of the uvula. Group 2 underwent the same procedure with the CO 2 laser. Group 3 underwent CO 2 laser ablation of the midline soft palate mucosa. Group 4 underwent radiofrequency volumetric reduction. Group 5 served as control. After 5 weeks the animals were sacrificed. Soft palate mucosa and muscle were subjected to tensiometric and histological analysis. Statistical analysis of tensiometric measurements was done with an ANOVA using a Bonferroni‐Dunn correction. Results: Tensiometric measurements of the mucosa were increased over normal controls when the surgical technique resulted in mucosal disruption. When the surgical technique resulted in primarily muscle disruption (radiofrequency) tensiometric measurements of the muscle were increased over controls. Histological analysis demonstrated normal remucosalization in all specimens, with fibrosis increased at the site of the primary injury. Conclusions: The type of injury produced resulted in identifiable patterns of physiological and histological change. Understanding of the effects of available surgical techniques is important in guiding our choice of surgical approach and allows us to better counsel our patients on their surgical options.