Long-term effect of radiofrequency turbinoplasty in nasal obstruction

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate long term (two years) effect of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFVTR) on nasal obstruction associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which is not respond to medical treatment. This retrospective study carried out on 98 patients with nasal obstruction treated by RFVTR (56 males, 42 females, from 17 to 70 years of age). Visual analogue scales (VAS) and nasal endoscopic view score (NES) were used for nasal obstruction to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Results of one, three, six, twelve and twenty four months after RFVTR treatment were compared with pre-exposure values. Turbinate edema and nasal obstruction in the treated patients were recovered after one month of treatment (p < 0.01). Maximum improvement were determined at the end of third month (p < 0.01). However, eficacy of RFVTR declined twelve months after treatment. Final percentage of imrovement was found as 51 % at the end of second year of treatment because of co-factors was not eliminated by some patients. On the other hand, no statistical significant difference was observed between the right and left nasal cavity (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the result of this study indicated that patients who have not eliminate co-factors such as smoking, obesity and allergic rhinitis may need re-application of RFTVR. However, further studies on radiofrequecy energy level and elimination of other co-factors are necessary to illuminate the eficacy of RFVTR.