Radiofrequency energy tissue ablation for the treatment of nasal obstruction secondary to turbinate hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the success rate of radiofrequency energy (RFe) tissue ablation of the inferior turbinate for nasal obstruction achieved by previous investigators would be improved by using a longer needle electrode and creating two lesions per turbinate.

METHODS: Ten patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively enrolled. A 40-mm needle delivered RFe to two sites in each inferior turbinate. Patients used a visual analog scale (VAS) to grade nasal obstruction preoperatively and at 1 week and 8 weeks after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative digital images of the nasal cavity were graded for obstruction (0% to 100%) in a blinded manner.

RESULTS: All patients (100%) were subjectively improved at 8 weeks. Mean obstruction (VAS) improved from 50%+/-21% to 16%+/-15% (right side) and from 53%+/-29% to 13%+/-13% (left side). Mean improvements were 68% (right side) (P = .004) and 75% (left side) (P = .001). Mean obstruction graded during blinded review of nasal cavity images improved from 73.5%+/-8% to 51%+/-8% (right side) and from 76%+/-6% to 64%+/-7% (left side). Of nine patients using medications for nasal obstruction before treatment, eight (89%) noted no further need for medications at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION: The use of RFe for submucosal tissue ablation in the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is an effective modality for reducing symptoms of nasal obstruction. Improved results may occur by using a longer needle and creating two lesions per turbinate. Of patients in this study, 100% reported improvement of nasal obstruction.