Efficacy of Radiofrequency Turbinatoplasty for Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Abstract

Introduction: Nasal inferior turbinate hypertrophy is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction. Many different surgical methods are currently available. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy and results of radiofrequency turbinatoplasty as a new method in the treatment of the large inferior nasal turbinate. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 50 patients with symptoms and signs of nasal obstruction associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical therapy<em>.</em> The turbinoplasty was performed using the radiofrequency method. Effectiveness of treatment, signs and symptoms before surgery compared to the first week, first and third month after surgery and possible complications were evaluated. Nasal endoscopy and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess treatment outcomes at the end of week 1 and months 1 and 3 after surgery. Results: In this study the average age was 24 years old. 27 male (54%) and 23 female (46%) are included in this study. The etiology was vasomotor rhinitis (28 cases) and allergic rhinitis (22 cases). Turbinate edema and secretions decreased significantly (<em>P</em><0.0001) 1 month after surgery. Concerning the nasal obstruction and related symptoms such as nasal obstruction, snoring, headache, sneezing, itching, nasal turbinate edema, secretions and crust, significant improvement was observed at 1 month after treatment in all patients (<em>P</em><0.05) and continued up to 3 months after surgery (<em>P</em><0.0001). No major postoperative complication was observed in patients. Conclusion: Radio frequency turbinatoplasty technique is recommended as an effective method with no adverse effects such as pain treatment for hypertrophic inferior turbinate.