Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates: 20-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively evaluated the efficacy and morbidity of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of inferior turbinates during a 20-month follow-up.

METHODS: The study was conducted on 150 patients randomly assigned into two groups of 75 each. In group A, we used the bipolar device "Coblator II ENT" (Arthrocare Corp, Sunnyvale, CA) and in group B the monopolar device Somnoplasty (Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA). Nasal endoscopy, visual analog scale, anterior active rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and saccharin tests were used to assess the outcomes of the treatments.

RESULTS: Turbinate edema and nasal obstruction decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) in group A seven days after surgery and in group B from month 1. The nasal symptoms were significantly reduced in both groups from the first month (P < 0.0001). A significant increase (P < 0.0001) in nasal volume and decrease in nasal resistance were detected in the first month. No difference was found from three to 20 months after surgery (P > 0.5).

CONCLUSION: We have shown that both methods of RFVTR can produce a long-term improvement on symptoms and on maintenance of nasal function.