Radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy on nasal polyps: preliminary results.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) in patients with nasal polyps.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from 17 consecutive patients (11 men and 6 women; mean age, 51.7 +/- 16.9 years) treated with RFITT from 2002 to 2003. The postoperative outcome was assessed using active anterior rhinomanometry, "sniffin' stick" test, and endoscopic nasal examination preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Subjective complaints were assessed with Likert scales.


RESULTS
Transnasal airflow increased by 40.3% 4 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.029). Endoscopic appearance of nasal polyps indicated a nonsignificant reduction of 37.1%. Subjective complaints such as impaired nasal ventilation (p = 0.014), nasal discharge (p = 0.0007), postnasal drip (p = 0.0002), and hyposmia (p = 0.048) improved significantly 4 weeks after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
RFITT is well tolerated as a day case procedure under local anesthesia and might be a procedure for treating recurrence of NP after sinus surgery. It remains unclear at this point whether RFITT for nasal polyps results in a permanent reduction.
Fischer
Yvonne
Y
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Frauensteige 12, D-89075 Ulm, Germany. yvonne.fischer@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Gronau
Silke
S
Rozsasi
Ajnacska
A
Rettinger
Gerhard
G
Gruen
Philipp M
PM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D025363:Rhinomanometry