Advantages of hot devices for tonsillectomy, represented by coblation, have been highlighted in recent years. During hot technique tonsillectomy it is important to identify and coagulate the vessels of the tonsillar capsule, especially at the lower pole of the tonsil. Hot technique tonsillectomy under microscope or endoscope has therefore been recommended to achieve accurate identification of the microstructure of the surgical field. We have applied ORBEYE, a three-dimensional surgical exoscope system, to coblation tonsillectomy. Advantages of using ORBEYE include high definition and high magnification images, and flexibility of camera position and angle. This means there is an improved surgical view and working space, particularly at the lower pole during performance of coblation tonsillectomy. Here, we demonstrate that ORBEYE can be an effective surgical instrument in coblation tonsillectomy.

Periarticular chondromas are common in the humerus and femur but rarely occur in the temporomandibular joint. We report a case of a chondroma in the anterior part of the ear. One year prior to his visit, a 53-year-old man became aware of swelling in the right cheek region which gradually increased in size. In the anterior part of the right ear, there was a palpable 25 mm tumor, elastic and hard, with poor mobility and without tenderness. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography CT showed a mass lesion with diffuse calcification or ossification in the upper pole of the parotid gland and areas of poor contrast within. A magnetic resonance imaging showed a low-signal mass lesion at the parotid gland with some high signals in both T1 and T2. Fine-needle aspiration cytology did not lead to diagnosis. Using a nerve monitoring system, the tumor was resected with normal tissue of the upper pole of the parotid gland in the same way as for a benign parotid tumor. Distinguishing between pleomorphic adenoma, including diffuse microcalcification of the parotid gland and cartilaginous tumors of the temporomandibular joint, may be sometimes difficult. In such cases, surgical resection may be a beneficial treatment option.