Results of temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for the turbinate hypertrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) for the inferior turbinate. RESEARCH DESIGNS: Prospective, single-blinded, experimental clinical trial.


METHODS
Twenty patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were enrolled. Nasal obstruction was compared between before and after the treatment (at 1-3 days, 1 week and 6-8 weeks) of RFTVR using subjective symptom scores, physical findings and videotape images.


RESULTS
Improvement of nasal symptoms was observed as early as 1 week after the operation. However, significant improvement was obtained at 6-8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
RFTVR for the turbinate may be useful as an alternative approach for the treatment of chronic turbinate hypertrophy.
Hirunwiwatkul
Prakobkiat
P
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Aeumjaturapata
Songklot
S
Oraphin
Pornchai
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology*