Partial laser turbinectomy: two year outcomes in patients with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to compare two year outcomes of partial laser turbinectomy in patients with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis with respect to nasal obstruction symptom scores and nasal peak inspiratory flow rates (nPIFR). This has not been reported previously.


METHODS
Fifty-four patients underwent partial laser turbinectomy (28 with allergic rhinitis, 26 with non-allergic rhinitis). NPIFR was measured preoperatively, at 3 months and two years postoperatively. A symptom score questionnaire was also completed.


RESULTS
Both allergic and non-allergic patients showed a significant improvement in symptom scores and nPIER at three months (n = 54). The improvement in allergic patients was greater. In the 31 patients seen at two years, there was still a significant improvement in median symptom scores but no such improvement in median nPIFR. In allergic patients (n = 18) at two years, there was no significant improvement in symptom and nPIFR scores. Non-allergic patients (n = 13), however, did show sustained significant improvement in these scores (p < 0.05). Eighty-seven percent (26/31) considered the operation successful and would recommend it to others.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-allergic patients derive a more sustained improvement in the medium term compared to allergic individuals when undergoing partial laser turbinectomy. The improvement in symptom scores in the group as a whole was still significant.
Sandhu
A S
AS
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR, England. kaz.sandhu@virgin.net
Temple
R H
RH
Timms
M S
MS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery*