Long-term results of inferior turbinate hypertrophy with radiofrequency treatment: a new standard of care?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to report the long-term efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) and to compare this with other accepted surgical treatments of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.


METHODS
Prospective, 2-year follow-up of 19 patients originally enrolled in a prospective, randomized, single blinded, placebo controlled trial for treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy with RFVTR. Patients evaluated their severity of obstruction, frequency of obstruction, and overall ability to breathe by way of a 10 cm visual analogue scale.


RESULTS
RFVTR for inferior turbinate hypertrophy showed continued benefit at 2 years posttreatment, with no indication of increasing symptomatology. The benefit demonstrated in frequency of obstruction, severity of obstruction, and overall ability to breathe (P < .05) was maintained at 2 years. No complications occurred. Review of the literature shows lower short- and long-term complications for RFVTR compared with other surgical methods


CONCLUSIONS
RFVTR is effective in treating inferior turbinate hypertrophy with sustained benefit at 2 years follow-up while resulting in fewer complications than other surgical methods.


CONCLUSIONS
RFVTR is a relatively new procedure, and therefore there are few long-term evaluations of its effectiveness; this is the first prospective study to document successful outcomes at 2 years follow-up.
Porter
Matthew W
MW
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Hales
Nathan W
NW
Nease
Carey J
CJ
Krempl
Greg A
GA
D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015576:Hyperostosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*