This study was designed to evaluate the volumetric reduction and the histologic changes of the soft palate after radio frequency ablation (RF) in experimental animals. Sixty male rabbits were included in the study devided into three groups: group (A), group (B) and group (C). Each group included 10 control and 10 study animals. Exposure of the soft palate to RF, temperature of 80°C was done submucousaly at 3 sites, one at midportion and two at lateral sides of the soft palate for one minute duration each site. The control animals of the three groups were left without any interference. The animals of group A, B and C were studied 1 month; 2 months and 3 months respectively. The soft palate of each rabbit was dissected and volume was calculated. Specimens of soft palate of both control and study animals were divided into two parts. One part was examined by light microscopic study and the other part was examined by electron microscopic study. As regard group (A) there was statistically insignificant reduction in the mean volume of soft palate. For group (B) there was significant reduction in the mean palate volume. For group (C) there was marked significant reduction in the mean volume of palate. There was highly significant reduction of soft palate volume in group (C) versus group (A) and significant in group (B) versus group (A). This denoted that there was significant reduction in the mean of soft palate volume of study animals in relation to time. The light microscopic study and the electron microscopic study showed no change of the stratified Squamous epithelium in control and study animals. There was increase of collagen fibers density which was mild in group A, moderate in group B and marked in group C. There was decrease in the size of the muscle fibers. This study showed that RF energy resulted in reduction in the mean volume of soft palate of study animals which could be attributed to the increased fibrosis within the muscle fibers of the soft palate and the reduction in the size of muscle fibers. There was no glandular destruction.
R&dio frequency ablation to the soft palate could be considered an
adventitious procedure for the reduction of the size of soft palate if compared
to different methods of surgical intervention. It is safe. Effective, less invasive
and can be done under local anesthesia.
|
