Radiofrequency coblation for treatment of advanced laryngotracheal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Background: A variety of treatment modalities are currently used to treat recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. We aimed to study the efficacy of radiofrequency cold ablation (coblation) for the treatment of laryngotracheal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, by comparing treatment intervals for coblation and CO(2) laser vaporisation. Method: Retrospective case series of adult patients with advanced laryngotracheal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Results: Six patients were treated for at least two years by CO, laser vaporisation with or without intralesional cidofovir. All six subsequently underwent treatment with radiofrequency coblation with or without intralesional cidofovir. Coblation resulted in longer periods between interventions, compared with CO(2) laser (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Radiofrequency coblation appears to be an attractive alternative technique to CO, laser for the surgical treatment of advanced laryngotracheal papillomata.