title: Efficacy and safety of inferior turbinates coblation in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effectiveness and safety of coblation in relieving inferior turbinate hypertrophy in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational cohort study was undertaken. The severity of allergic rhinitis and the severity and degree of nasal obstruction were assessed using subjective and clinical symptom grading tools, a visual analogue scale, and endoscopy. Any post-operative complications were noted at 1 week, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Data from extended follow-up periods were included when available. The statistical significance of changes in parameter values was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two patients were recruited (mean age, 11.28 years; range, 6-17 years). Significant post-operative improvement (p<0.001) was noted in the severity and degree of nasal obstruction. This improvement was maintained after a mean follow-up period of 10.5 months (range, 1 month to 4 years). No mucosal ulceration or adhesion was encountered. Minimal crusting was noted in 8.57 per cent of patients at 1-week follow up. Allergic rhinitis symptoms improved significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inferior turbinate reduction by coblation is an effective and safe procedure in children aged six years and older. The positive outcomes seem to be long-lasting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center,American University of Beirut,Lebanon.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bitar
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center,American University of Beirut,Lebanon.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kanaan
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center,American University of Beirut,Lebanon.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sinno
mesh_terms: D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*