title: Results of temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for the turbinate hypertrophy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
authors.forename: Prakobkiat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hirunwiwatkul
authors.forename: Songklot
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aeumjaturapata
authors.forename: Pornchai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Oraphin
mesh_terms: 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*