Incidence of complications in radiofrequency treatment of the upper airway.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of complications after temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) treatment of the inferior turbinates, palate, and tongue. To compare these complication rates with those reported in the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.

METHODS: All patients treated with TCRF to the inferior turbinates, palate, and tongues during a 12-month period were included. Data were collected for parameters of energy delivery and the development of complications.

RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six patients were treated with a total of 470 TCRF lesions. The overall incidence of minor complications was 1.2% (6/470 lesions); there were no complications of moderate or major severity.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of minor complications after TCRF in this series was low, and there were no complications of greater severity. These findings are in stark contrast with some previously published papers with higher complication rates. These significantly higher rates may be caused by a marked learning curve, problems in patient selection and the technique of application, excessive energy delivery, and perioperative management.