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Am J Rhinol Allergy 2018 Dec 17:1945892418815351. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: Historically, there has been uncertainty in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in children. Although management always begins with medical therapy, the decision to offer surgery in resistant cases is becoming more widely practiced. In the pediatric population, turbinate reduction can be achieved with turbinectomy, electrocautery, lasers, submucous microdebridement, and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RVTR). Read More

Int J Otolaryngol 2018 14;2018:6480346. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Full Professor Unit of Otolaryngology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.

Background: Video-assisted endoscopic radiofrequency inferior turbinate volume reduction (RFVTR) is one of the most common surgical therapies for inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). Despite all the technical and surgical advancement, it is advisable to reduce as low as possible the intraoperative discomfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of music in reducing patient discomfort during RFVTR. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Sep 2;128(9):1997-2003. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare radiofrequency ablation, diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty techniques in the treatment of chronic nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate enlargement, and to compare these techniques with a placebo procedure.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Methods: A total of 98 consecutive patients with enlarged inferior turbinates due to persistent year-round rhinitis were randomized into a placebo, radiofrequency ablation, diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty groups in a ratio of 1:2:2:2. Read More

HNO 2018 Feb;66(2):111-117

The Finesse Center for Facial Plastic Surgery/ENT, Froehliche-Tuerkenstraße 8, 93047, Regensburg, Germany.

Background: Turbinate surgery is an important adjunct to functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Many studies have analyzed the effects of various mucosal-sparing techniques, such as radiofrequency, laser, shaver, and others. These techniques, however, result in the destruction of the submucosal tissue of the turbinate. Read More

World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Jun 23;3(2):106-109. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.

Objective: Pilot study to examine the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral palatal fat pad in patients with socially-disruptive snoring.

Method: Snoring outcomes and complications were compared between a group of patients with treated with RFA ablation of the lateral soft palate fat pad with or without inferior turbinate reduction (8 patients) and another group undergoing inferior turbinate reduction alone (12 patients).

Results: Snoring loudness and bothersomeness improved in the palate but not inferior turbinate group. Read More

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Jan - Feb;85(1):43-49. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Although the nose and lungs are separate organs, numerous studies have reported that the entire respiratory system can be considered as a single anatomical and functional unit. The upper and lower airways affect each other either directly or through reflex mechanisms.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the radiofrequency ablation of persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal and pulmonary function. Read More

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017 Nov 28;55(9):917-920. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gaziantep 25 Aralık State Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. Electronic address:

We compared the effectiveness of local anaesthetic with Emla cream with that of an injection of lidocaine for radiofrequency reduction of the inferior turbinates. We studied 98 consecutive patients with hypertrophied inferior turbinates, 46 of whom were given Emla cream and 52 lidocaine injection. The procedure began five minutes after the injection of lidocaine and 10minutes after the Emla cream had been applied. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 03 22;128(3):568-572. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Objective: The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of various inferior turbinate surgery techniques on Eustachian tube dysfunction-related symptoms.

Study Design: Outcomes were evaluated using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) and tympanometry results.

Methods: A total of 72 consecutively blinded and randomized adult patients with enlarged inferior turbinates due to persistent year-round rhinitis underwent either a radiofrequency ablation, diode laser, microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty, or sham surgery procedure. Read More

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2017 Jun 18;50(3):599-606. Epub 2017 Mar 18.

Division of Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 801 Welch Road, MC 5739, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address:

Coblation is a technology that incorporates bipolar radiofrequency energy to ablate tissue at relatively low temperatures. Its use for sinonasal surgery is actively being investigated, including applications for turbinate reduction, sinus surgery, skull base surgery, and adenoidectomy. Potential benefits include reduction in blood loss, improved endoscopic surgical visualization, and reduction in postoperative pain. Read More

Ear Nose Throat J 2017 Feb;96(2):E23-E26

Department of ENT, College of Medicine and JNM Hospital, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India 741235.

Radiofrequency procedures are a well-accepted treatment for nasal obstruction. We conducted a randomized, noncontrolled study to compare the effectiveness of submucosal bipolar radiofrequency turbinate volume reduction (RFTVR) and bipolar radiofrequency-assisted turbinectomy (RFaT) in patients presenting with nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. A total of 30 patients-15 males and 15 females, aged 15 to 60 years (mean: 32)-were randomly divided into one of the two homogeneous treatment groups. Read More

Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg 2016 Nov-Dec;26(6):325-32

Department of Otolaryngology, İstanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, 34730 Göztepe, Kadıköy, İstanbul, Turkey.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of radiofrequency ablation and microdebrider reduction in lower turbinate surgery on nasal physiology.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2009 and March 2010, 40 patients with the complaint of nasal obstruction, who were diagnosed with lower turbinate hypertrophy, were randomly assigned into two groups to undergo either radiofrequency (group 1, n=20) or microdebrider (group 2, n=20) treatments. Nasal obstruction, the grade of turbinate hypertrophy and other symptoms were evaluated with subjective nasal obstruction scale and anterior rhinoscopy before the operation, and three days, seven days, four weeks, and eight weeks after the surgical intervention. Read More

Surg Innov 2017 Feb 13;24(1):5-14. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

1 University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short and medium-term effects of radiofrequency (RF) and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and neodymium-yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser treatment on the inferior turbinate mucosa in a porcine model. Following randomization, the inferior turbinates were treated either with RF submucosally or with the KTP or the Nd:YAG laser on the surface under videoendoscopic control. Tissue samples were taken at the end of postoperative weeks 1 and 6, and were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. Read More

Minerva Pediatr 2017 Feb 5;69(1):15-21. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

ENT Section, Department of Neurosciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.

Background: This study evaluates endoscopic and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in two groups, composed by both allergic (A) and non-allergic (N-A) adolescents undergoing septoplasty with concurrent turbinate surgery by radiofrequency treated after surgery with nasal spray containing liposomes and vitamins A and E.

Methods: This double-blind randomized study was carried out on 40 patients (22 males, 18 females, mean age 15.5±1. Read More

Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016 Sep 1;54(3):118-123. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Karadeniz Technical University School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency thermal ablation with those of microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty, we designed a prospective, randomized clinical study.

Methods: Forty patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy were enrolled. Half of the patients were operated by radiofrequency thermal ablation, while the other half underwent microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2016 Sep;138(3):419e-29e

New York, N.Y.; and Shreveport, La. From the Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Medical Center; and The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery.

Background: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is often encountered by plastic surgeons who perform rhinoplasty. Many treatment options are available to treat the inferior turbinate. The objective of this study was to systematically review outcomes of available techniques and provide guidance to surgical turbinate management. Read More

Am J Rhinol Allergy 2016 Sep 14;30(5):185-188. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Otolaryngology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey.

Background: Ocular blood flow alterations and blindness are uncommon and less-known adverse effects of nasal local anesthetic infiltrations. Our aim was to investigate ocular blood flow alterations during radiofrequency (RF) tissue reduction of inferior turbinates with the patient under local anesthesia by using a noninvasive method with optical coherence tomography.

Methods: A total of 120 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively randomized into two groups. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2016 Jun;36(3):199-205

Department of Head and Neck Surgery - Otorhinolaryngology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome, Italy;

The aim of our study was to assess long-term results of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of inferior turbinates (RVTR). We performed a prospective long-term longitudinal evaluation of 305 patients affected by rhinitis (114 allergic and 191 non-allergic) who were unresponsive to medical treatment and underwent RVTR (January 2004 - December 2010). Subjects were followed for a mean period of 39. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 Apr 9;154(4):754-8. Epub 2016 Feb 9.

Department of Medico-surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, ENT Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of nasal ciliary motility after radiofrequency ablation treatment in patients with isolated inferior turbinate hypertrophy and to clarify how long until normal ciliary function is restored.

Study Design: Prospective, single-group, pretest-posttest design.

Setting: Academic tertiary care medical center. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 Feb;24(1):10-4

aBecker Ear, Nose and Throat Center, Princeton, New Jersey bDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The review presents some information on known options for treatment of nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) with introduction to new therapies. The merits and limitations of recent advancements in pharmacotherapy of this common problem are briefly discussed as well.

Recent Findings: Intranasal corticosteroids are first-line therapy for NAR. Read More

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp 2016 Jul-Aug;67(4):212-9. Epub 2015 Nov 25.

Departamento de Bioestadística, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, España.

Introduction: Drug-induced sedation endoscopy is a valid tool to assess site obstruction of the upper airway responsible for children's obstructive Sleep Apnea The aim is to show the experience of an ENT department with Drug-induced sedation endoscopy in children selected for sleep apnea surgery

Methods: Includes 56 cases between 2 and 12 years old (mean age: 59,13±27,29 months) presenting at the Otorhinolaryngology consultation clinic with snoring and apnea. Prior polysomnography had been practiced and mean AHI was 6,32±8,71. The distribution of cases was 10 persistent sleep apnea (17. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015 Dec 8;153(6):951-6. Epub 2015 Oct 8.

Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Objective: To critically review published literature for treatment-related outcomes for bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (IFTR) via either microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) or radiofrequency turbinoplasty. The primary outcomes were relief of nasal obstruction according to visual analog scale and nasal airflow, volume, and resistance measures based on acoustic rhinomanometry.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Catalog, and CINAHL. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016 Jun 31;273(6):1449-53. Epub 2015 Aug 31.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

The role of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the reduction of nasal airflow is well established. Although chronic nasal obstruction is not life- threatening, it significantly impairs patients' quality of life, affecting many aspects of daily activities; therefore, patients seek medical intervention. 40 patients were selected (27 males and 13 females) between 27 and 64 years of age with a symptom of nasal obstruction. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2015 Sep 31;124(9):691-7. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.

Objective: Compare intramural bipolar electrocautery and radiofrequency coblation in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy with regards to objective and subjective improvement in nasal obstruction, rate and type of complications, experience during the procedure, and rate of recovery.

Study Design: Prospective, single-blinded study.

Setting: Single tertiary medical center from 2008 to 2010. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015 Mar 6;67(1):56-9. Epub 2014 Sep 6.

Department of E.N.T, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Katuri Nagar, Chinakondrupadu, Guntur, 522 019 Andhra Pradesh India.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is one of the major causes of nasal airway obstruction. Medical treatment often produces insufficient improvement. In these cases, surgical reduction of inferior turbinate can be proposed. Read More

Rhinology 2014 Dec;52(4):424-30

Background: Laser and radiofrequency induced volume reduction of the inferior turbinates are frequently used treatment modalities. Which of both is superior, however, is not clear to date due to a lack of controlled prospective studies. Here, we compare both methods regarding improvement of nasal breathing, complications, patient comfort and wound healing. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015 Oct 29;272(10):2877-84. Epub 2014 Nov 29.

Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand,

Unlabelled: The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) and bipolar radiofrequency (BRF) for inferior turbinate reduction in patients with chronic rhinitis (CR). This was a prospective, randomized non-inferiority trial. Eighty-four adult patients with CR refractory to medication were randomized into two intervention groups: TCRF(42) or BRF(42). Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2014 Nov;25(6):1998-2001

From the *Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Malazgirt State Hospital, Mus, Turkey; and †Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.

Aim: The aims of this study were to compare radiofrequency tissue reduction (RFTR) and electrocautery (EC) techniques by assessing preoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively the visual analog scale (VAS), inspiratory peak flowmetry (IPF), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volume measurement of the inferior turbinate and to see whether EC still stands as a valid treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

Methods: A total of 36 patients were included in the study. An equal number of patients were chosen randomly from 2 groups. Read More

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2014 ;18(15):2160-8

Area of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.

Background: Simple snoring represents a social problem, not only because it could affect the patient's married life, but it often goes along with sleep-disordered breathing. Chronic nasal obstruction has many sequel including snoring and the inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is its most common cause. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted endoscopic radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) to reduce snoring in patients affected by chronic nasal obstruction due to ITH. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014 Sep 3;66(3):281-6. Epub 2013 Dec 3.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a frequent cause of nasal airway obstruction and drastically impairs patients' quality of life. Surgical reduction of the inferior turbinates can be used for patients who did not respond to medical therapy. A number of studies have been performed to identify the most effective technique. Read More

Am J Rhinol Allergy 2014 Mar-Apr;28(2):164-8

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, S. Spirito Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) presents as the main and most invasive symptom in the blocking of the nose. This condition is almost always related to hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates. When the medical treatments are found to be insufficient to solve the obstructive symptom of the patient, the quality of life is considerably impaired and it is often necessary to submit the patient to a surgical approach. Read More

Allergy Rhinol (Providence) 2014 Mar 7;5(1):12-6. Epub 2014 Mar 7.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (RFITR) of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is an effective way to treat patients with intractable nasal mucosal obstruction. The objective of this study was to assess smell ability, nasal symptoms, inferior turbinate grading (ITG), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of patients with chronic rhinitis (CR), and ITH before and after RFITR. Patients with CR and ITH, aged 18-60 years, who underwent RFITR, were prospectively recruited. Read More

Biotechnol Biotechnol Equip 2014 Mar 10;28(2):285-294. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Medical School, Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey.

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate long term (two years) effect of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFVTR) on nasal obstruction associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which is not respond to medical treatment. This retrospective study carried out on 98 patients with nasal obstruction treated by RFVTR (56 males, 42 females, from 17 to 70 years of age). Visual analogue scales (VAS) and nasal endoscopic view score (NES) were used for nasal obstruction to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014 Oct 21;271(10):2717-22. Epub 2014 Feb 21.

Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, ENT Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Latina (LT), Italy,

Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction is a minimally invasive technique in the treatment of turbinate hypertrophy and is generally performed under local anesthesia. However, perioperative discomfort and pain are common side effects and studies concerning the technique of choice to anesthetize the nasal mucosa in this procedure are lacking. The aim of this prospective controlled trial is to assess the effectiveness of EMLA(®) cream as a topical anesthetic for radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of inferior turbinates comparing its effect with that obtained using a traditional anesthetic technique. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014 Jan 6;66(Suppl 1):231-6. Epub 2012 Jan 6.

Department of Ent, Head and Neck Surgery, Yashoda Hospital, Secunderabad, 500003 Andhra Pradesh India.

To evaluate the treatment of hypertrophy of inferior turbinates in patients diagnosed with allergic/non allergic rhinitis with the use of radiofrequency ablation technique. Ablation with radiofrequency was used in this study on the inferior turbinates of 200 patients diagnosed as allergic/non allergic rhinitis at our institution between January 2006 and December 2009. The results were evaluated subjectively by changes in pre and post operative symptoms, size of inferior turbinate, postoperative pain and assessment of ciliary function. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2013 Aug 27;65(Suppl 2):226-30. Epub 2011 Nov 27.

Department of Sciences for Health Promotion "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Via Del Vespro No. 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a major cause of nasal airway obstruction that affects up to 20% of the European general population. This study aims to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment as perceived by patients during a 2-years period. From 2007 to 2009, an observational study was conducted on 36 patients who consecutively underwent temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction. Read More

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2014 Apr 10;4(4):339-44. Epub 2014 Jan 10.

Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of hypertrophic inferior turbinate (IT) is an effective way to treat patients with intractable nasal mucosal obstruction. We evaluated the effectiveness of combined RFVTR and lateral outfracture (LO) of hypertrophic IT in chronic rhinitis (CR) patients on reduction of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritus both short and long term.

Methods: Seventy-three patients with CR who failed medical treatment were recruited to undergo combined RFVTR and LO of hypertrophic IT. Read More

Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2013 Dec 29;6(4):231-6. Epub 2013 Nov 29.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Objectives: Since few studies on surgical training and learning curves have been performed, majority of inexperienced surgeons are anxious about performing operations. We aimed to access the results and learning curve of septoplasty with radiofrequency volume reduction (RFVR) of the inferior turbinate.

Methods: We included 270 patients who underwent septoplasty with RFVR of the inferior turbinate by 6 inexperienced surgeons between January 2009 and July 2011. Read More

Vestn Otorinolaringol 2013 (5):28-31

The objective of the present work was to study the influence of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) of the inferior turbinated bones on the main functions of the nasal cavity in the patients suffering hypertrophic rhinitis. The secondary objective was to elucidate the histomorphological features of the inferior turbinated bones. A total of 40 patients presenting with nasal breathing disorders associated with the inferior turbinated bone hypertrophy were available for the examination. Read More

Allergy Rhinol (Providence) 2013 ;4(1):e17-20

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy includes surgical options in case of failure with medical treatment and the main goal of turbinate surgery is to relieve the patient's symptoms of chronic nasal congestion while preserving mucosal surfaces with reduction of the submucosal and bony tissue. In this regard, radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction has been a thermal technique associated with satisfactory results and fewer side effects. Historical detail on onset, timing, duration, and severity of symptoms and aggravating and relieving factors are important in the differential diagnosis of postnasal drip (PND). Read More

Am J Rhinol Allergy 2013 May-Jun;27(3):234-6

Department of Otolaryngology University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.

Background: We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) as an adjuvant treatment to hasten the improvement of nasal respiration and to minimize patients' discomfort in the postoperative radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of inferior turbinates.

Methods: We enrolled 57 patients randomly assigned into two groups, HA (22 patients) and saline group (35 patients), which received isotonic saline nasal irrigation. We used the monopolar device somnoplasty for all patients. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2014 Jan;72(1):5-8

From the *Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University, New York, NY; †Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; and ‡Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

Background: The sheer number of accepted inferior turbinoplasty techniques emphasizes the fact that there is no general agreement on which approach yields optimal results, nor are there data available that describes prevalent techniques in turbinate surgery among plastic surgeons.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify practice patterns among plastic surgeons who perform inferior turbinoplasty during rhinoplasty.

Methods: Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons were invited to participate in an anonymous, Internet-based survey containing questions related to personal preferences and outcomes in inferior turbinate surgery. Read More

Am J Rhinol Allergy 2012 Nov-Dec;26(6):497-503

Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: To determine the benefits of nasal irrigation after radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) for inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in terms of nasal obstructive symptoms, endoscopic nasal findings, and acoustic rhinometry. An equivalence randomized controlled trial was performed at the Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods: Seventy-nine subjects with ITH planned for RFTVR were enrolled consecutively. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013 May 2;270(6):1849-53. Epub 2012 Dec 2.

Department of Otolaryngology, Sint Lucas Andreas Hospital, P.O. Box 9243, 1006AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common complaint. Radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy of the inferior turbinates (RFITT) under local anesthesia is now a widely used treatment, however reports of assessment of the long-term self-reported benefits and patient satisfaction of the treatment are scarce. This study focuses on the self-reported long-term effects of treatment and experience of RFITT. Read More

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012 Aug;41(4):274-81

Department of Otolaryngology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the inferior turbinates is a popular surgical intervention that aims to reduce turbinate volume. However, in a few studies, the amount of volume loss was analyzed objectively.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RFA on the inferior turbinate by comparing its volume before and 6 weeks after surgery via computed tomography (CT) and the change in minimal cross-sectional areas (MCAs) via acoustic rhinometry objectively. Read More

Am J Rhinol Allergy 2012 Jul-Aug;26(4):321-5

Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic, Department of Head and Neck, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

Background: Nasal obstruction is a common symptom related to turbinate hypertrophy in 20% of cases. When medical treatment failed different surgical options were available. Actually, nasal physiology impairment after surgical treatment is not fully clear. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013 Feb 28;270(2):595-601. Epub 2012 Jun 28.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68161 Mannheim, Germany.

The objective of the study was to assess the short-term efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy. The study is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. A total of 22 patients (age range 21-72 years; median age 41 years) were randomized into two treatment arms. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012 Jun;20(3):199-204

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder that affects millions of patients annually and the hallmark complaint of nasal obstruction significantly impacts the quality of life. Many surgical options exist for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, directed primarily at the underlying nasal obstructive component. The purpose of this review is to highlight and discuss the various surgical modalities and their historical efficacy. Read More

Hippokratia 2012 Apr;16(2):166-9

1 Academic Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Background: Patients with a smell disorder and less often, healthy people, exhibit an olfactory difference between the two sides of the nose. Higher olfactory thresholds are correlated with the obstructed side of a nasal septal deviation (NSD). With this prospective study we sought to investigate if a NSD compromises the olfactory identification. Read More

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012 Apr 19;138(4):353-7. Epub 2012 Mar 19.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pacific Sleep Centre, 290 Orchard Rd, Unit 20-03, Singapore.

Objective: To review the safety of multilevel surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Design: Retrospective review.

Patients: A total of 487 consecutive patients with OSA and 1698 surgical procedures from January 2007 to May 2010. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012 Jun 8;146(6):1023-7. Epub 2012 Feb 8.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425-5500, USA.

Objective: To review techniques and outcomes of nasal surgery with upper airway radiofrequency ablation (RFA) when used for socially disruptive snoring, including the rate of infection with reused RFA applicator tips.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Community-based sleep-disordered breathing clinic. Read More