Factors Affecting Outcome of Inferior Turbinate Mucotomy in Treatment of Postnasal Drip Syndrome

Abstract

Background Postnasal drip syndrome may result from isolated hyperplasia of nasal inferior turbinates due to chronic rhinitis. Mucotomy (conchotomy) performed in such patients is generally effective but in some individuals the problem persists after surgery. Objective The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing outcome of the therapy. Methods One hundred six patients aged 17–60 years (mean = 34, SD = 12) with hyperplasia of the inferior turbinates underwent bipolar diathermy mucotomy. Nonallergic noninfectious rhinitis was diagnosed in 18, neutrophilic in 58, allergic in 18 and NARES in 14 patients. The participants were questioned about postnasal drip (PND) intensity before and 2 months after surgery. Results Results of mucotomy significantly depended on the etiology of chronic rhinitis and were worst in patients with NARES (p < 0.05). Percent values of reduction of PND intensity after mucotomy and percent of daytime with PND persisting after surgery depended on Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the nose (the results were worse in patients with the colonization, p < 0.001). Satisfaction scores were also dependent on S. aureus nasal colonization (p < 0.001) and significantly correlated with percent values of subjective reduction of PND intensity after surgery (p < 0.001) and reduction of PND daily duration (p < 0.001). Conclusions Results of mucotomy performed for postnasal drip depend on etiology of rhinitis and are worse in S. aureus nasal colonization.