Outcome survey of therapy with diode laser in patients with allergic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the outcome of treatment of allergic rhinitis with a diode laser in the contact mode.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary care centre.


METHODS
Forty-two newly diagnosed patients participated in the study.


METHODS
After a follow-up of 1 year, we measured the result of treatment by an allergy outcome survey questionnaire in the 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following the operation.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven of 42 patients (64.3%) who replied filled out the questionnaire completely. The mean operation time took 1 minute, 28 seconds per patient, no nasal packing was necessary, and no complications were observed. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement in the symptom score 1 year after laser surgery. The outcome of laser surgery declines with time.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term results revealed that diode laser treatment of allergic rhinitis is a useful procedure that can be performed as outpatient surgery under local anesthesia. The short operation time and less discomfort provide other reasons for choosing this treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Tsai
Yao-Lung
YL
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan.
Chang
Chuang-Chuan
CC
Lee
Hong-Shen
HS
Chen
Mu-Kuan
MK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae / Q000276:immunology; D040002:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007073:Immunoglobulin E