"C0-" stands for "controlled" and "-blation" is from the word "ablation", which is the process of reducing the size of something; when the sun melts an iceberg , the process is called "ablation". Coblation technology uses radiofrequency energy and saline to create a plasma field. The plasma field remains at a relatively low temperature as it precisely ablates the target tonsil tissue. The Coblation plasma field removes the tonsils tissue whilst minimising damage to the surrounding tissues. In a Coblation tonsillectomy a Coblation wand is used to remove the tonsils.
Less trauma to surrounding tissues and the much lower temperatures employed by Coblation when compared to conventional Cold Steel Tonsillectomy with Bipolar Diathermy (electrocoagulation) to control bleeding, means less post operative pain and a quicker recovery to normal activity.
© Mr Sanjay Verma, The ENT clinic Leeds 2009