Long-term clinical results of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To investigate the long-term clinical results of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for symptomatic inferior turbinate hypertrophy.Study design:Patients who were unresponsive to medical treatment (n = 197) received turbinate reduction using radiofrequency energy. Subjective symptoms were assessed using a 10 cm visual analogue scale, and all patients underwent acoustic rhinometry before the procedure and six, 24, 48 and 60 months afterwards.Results:Of the 197 treated patients, 148 completed the protocol. No significant peri-operative complications were observed. Thirty-two patients required follow-up treatment. Significant improvements were seen in nasal obstruction and discharge scores and in acoustic rhinometry values, at six, 24, 48 and 60 months post-operatively, compared with pre-operative values (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).Conclusion:Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction is an effective procedure for inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The clinical benefit of this procedure persisted 60 months after the procedure.