CASE REPORT OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RHINOPHYMA WITH COBLATION

Introduction: Rhinophyma is a tumour-like enlargement of the skin of the nose, affecting dorsum nasi and the apex. While the aetiology is unknown, dermatosis rosacea can be indicated as one of the main causes. Rhinophyma is characterized by reddish, swollen bumpy surface of the nose, overgrowing of scar-like tissue and augmentation of the sebaceous glands. Epidemiologically, rhinophyma affects mainly men between the ages of 50 and 70. Purpose of the study: To present an overview of the disease based on our personal experience with the condition and the associated surgical treatment. Materials and methods: Our findings are based on the cases of four patients over a period of two years, diagnosed with the condition rhinophyma, who underwent surgical treatment in "Saint Marina" hospital. The excision was made using the "Coblator II system". Results: Due to unresponsiveness to conventional treatment, surgical removal of the rhinophyma was necessary. Conclusion: Rhinophyma is a rare condition, causing discomfort to the patient and deforming the nose. Surgical intervention shows most effective results in the treatment of this disease.