Plasma surgery in rhinology
Rhinosinusitis plays a leading role in the structure of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The causes of this incidence include the multifactorial nature of rhinosinusitis and the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the nose and paranasal sinuses, its complexity, the increasing environmental load on the upper respiratory tract, decreased immune reactivity, allergies, and other factors. Therefore, the search for adequate surgical treatment methods is crucial for rhinology. In this regard, plasma surgery attracted our attention, offering a number of advantages over other surgical treatment methods for this pathology. Plasma surgery is a high-frequency surgical technique in which a contactless current is directed to the pathologically altered mucous membrane using ionized inert gas, in this case argon. This method can be used to stop bleeding and devitalize pathological tumors. Plasma surgery offers significant advantages in rhinology for treating mucosal injuries of the upper respiratory tract. Effective and reliable hemostasis and a limited, controlled penetration depth make argon plasma coagulation a reliable tool. This is a physical method. The equipment consists of a gas source, a high-frequency generator, and an applicator. The high-frequency applicator is surrounded by argon gas. High-frequency voltage ionizes the argon atmosphere, creating a plasma between the tip of the probe and the tissue surface. This plasma allows high-frequency current to be directed to the tissue without touching it with the applicator. The current paths are automatically shifted to areas that are still bleeding and therefore more conductive, automatically ensuring a uniform, limited penetration depth. Initially, a dried zone appears on the tissue surface, followed by a coagulation zone, and then a devitalized zone. Due to drying, the tissue shrinks. No tissue charring occurs because argon is an inert gas. Application. Plasma surgery has a wide range of indications. The generated plasma flow can be applied axially, laterally, and radially. Rigid applicators and flexible probes are available for this purpose. Indications and Clinical Application. Our experience using plasma surgery in rhinology has demonstrated high efficacy in the treatment of hypertrophic rhinitis, tubal fold hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tubes, Osler-Rendu disease, bleeding nasal turbinate polyps, and dacryocystorhinostomy. Hypertrophic rhinitis. Plasma coagulation is indicated for the differentiated removal of mucosal hypertrophy of various origins. Twelve patients aged 14-75 years underwent surgical treatment with good functional results. Plasma coagulation was performed using an applicator with a lateral opening, using a non-contact technique. A clear advantage over laser surgery is the ability to specifically and bloodlessly treat hard-to-reach areas of the nasal turbinate and visually control the depth of the thermal effect. Wrinkling of the mucous membrane, resulting from devitalization and drying, occurs immediately. Complete reparative regeneration of the remaining intact mucous membrane is observed 2-4 weeks after surgery. Hypertrophy of the tubal ridges. Changes in the mucous membrane in the area of ??the pharyngeal orifices of the auditory tubes are usually similar to those in the nasal cavity. The disease is accompanied by a persistent decrease in hearing acuity and, therefore, a feeling of discomfort in patients. In cases where known treatment options have been exhausted, plasma coagulation of the nerve is indicated. The nerve located in the area of ??the tubal ridges is located in the turbinate. This procedure appears to be the optimal solution. The auditory tube widens and its patency improves. We have performed two operations with positive results. Osler-Rendu disease is characterized by recurrent nosebleeds that are difficult to stop with therapeutic measures. The bleeding is caused by telangiectasias in the nasal mucosa. Plasma surgery can be used for treatment. It offers significant advantages, including effective coagulation, shallow penetration depth, minimal invasiveness, no side effects, unlimited repeatability, and the ability to treat hard-to-reach areas thanks to flexible systems. Two patients, male, aged 56 and 48, underwent plasma surgery. A notable feature of these cases was the long history of the disease, practically dating back to childhood. Telangiectasias were visualized endoscopically in the posterior nasal cavity, which undoubtedly posed a risk of prolonged and massive bleeding with all the attendant consequences. The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and septum was a modified, loose tissue that bleeds easily when irritated. Thus, nasal packing by known methods also posed a potential risk of bleeding and significant blood loss. Plasma coagulation performed under endoscopic guidance was bloodless, and nasal packing was not required. Bleeding polyp. The same applies to bleeding polyps. Various applicators allow for treatment in hard-to-reach areas. Two women, aged 68 and 56, suffering from recurrent nosebleeds, were observed. The bleeding polyps were located in the anterior portions of the inferior turbinates and on the nasal septum (cartilaginous portion). Just five days after plasma coagulation, fibrin deposits on the mucous membrane, which was in the regenerative phase, were absent. Dacryocystorhinostomy. A negative outcome of extra- or endonasal surgery on the lacrimal ducts is closure of the newly formed ostium in the lacrimal sac in the early or late postoperative period. One common reason for this surgical outcome is surgeons' reliance on sutureless ostium formation, as suturing the nasal mucosa and lacrimal sac is quite challenging. Plasma surgery, which allows for the rational adaptation of the edges of the future ostium with several adhesive sutures (sutures), offers a promising approach, thereby guaranteeing a favorable outcome with a high degree of certainty. Two endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomies were performed at the rhinology center. At the end of the surgery, plasma coagulation was performed with a lateral applicator to form a ostium in the lacrimal sac, after aligning the nasal mucosa and the edges of the lacrimal sac. The early postoperative period was uneventful. Lacrimal duct patency was restored. Follow-up studies are underway. Thus, our initial experience with argon plasma surgery in rhinological practice allows us to draw the following conclusions: the mucosal lesion is non-invasive and visually controlled. Bleeding is effectively and reliably controlled. A particular advantage for superficial injuries is the controlled depth of self-limiting coagulation. The use of argon, an inert gas, completely eliminates tissue charring. The method is simple to use and easy to master. Other advantages include reduced operative time, increased mobility, minimal safety requirements, and a lower cost compared to laser. The broad capabilities of plasma surgery open up unique prospects for application in rhinology.