[The effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance].
OBJECTIVE
The main purpose of the study is to observe the effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance (NAR).


METHODS
Using active anterior rhinomanometry, NAR were measured in seventeen patients who suffered from chronic rhinitis before and post operation. The subjective impression of their nasal patency was assessed using a 10-point scale.


RESULTS
The NAR is(0.662 +/- 0.22) kPa.s/L before operation and (0.302 +/- 0.17) kPa.s/L three months after operation. The NAR is 0.397 +/- 0.25 ten months after operation. The differences are statistically significant (P < 0.01) between the NAR before and post operation. There are significant differences in the subjective impression of patients' nasal patency as well (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is effective in decreasing NAR and improving the subjective impression of their nasal patency.
Li
P
P
Department of Otolaryngology, First People's Hospital of Huaian, Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery