[Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency ablation on inferior turbinate in patients with nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

Method: Eighteen patients enrolled in the study and bipolar radiofrequency ablation was delivered to inferior turbinate. The preoperative and postoperative nasal obstruction were investigated by visual analogue scale (VAS).

Result: All patients were improved in 3 months. Mean obstruction(VAS) improved from 70.5% +/- 10.5% to 53.3% +/- 11.6% (right side), and from 67.7% +/- 9.4% to 45.0% +/- 9.2% (left side).

Conclusion: The use of radiofrequency for submucosal tissue ablation in the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is an effective modality for reducing symptoms of nasal obstruction.