Coblation-assisted endoscopic management of post-radiation choanal stenosis in cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Background This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of coblation in stenosis release for rehabilitation of patients post-radiotherapy, as literature on the topic is sparse. Materials and methods Nine patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy for stage III–IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma and developed choanal stenosis were included. The stenosis was released using coblation and was combined with posterior septectomy followed by stenting. Results The use of coblation resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding, better visualization, and minimal post-op scarring. Posterior septectomy along with stent placement helped in the maintenance of a patent nasal airway in 88.8% of patients with only one needing revision surgery. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for 1 year, and significant improvement in SNOT 22 scores was seen using the Wilcoxon sign test ( p = 0.008). Conclusion Coblation-assisted choanal stenosis release with stenting is effective and offers better symptomatic relief, thus improving quality of life and assisting in rehabilitation.