Radiofrequency for Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Could Its Long-Term Effect be Predicted with a Preoperative Topical Vasoconstrictor Drop Test?

Abstract

This study showed that success by RFVTR in ITH could be predicted by preoperative TVDT. Improvement by RFVTR depends on how much the patient's turbinates respond to TVDT, but not how much he/she complains of nasal obstruction.

The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: An updated practice parameter

“…The degree of shrinkage with a topical decongestant may assist in delineating mucosal from bony hypertrophy and predict success of certain procedures, such as radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR). 975 Multiple surgical procedures on the inferior turbinate have been described, and all are considered to have some beneficial effects. The goal of these techniques is to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate outright, or to diminish its ability to swell and block the nasal passages.…”

Intranasal steroids or radiofrequency turbinoplasty in persistent allergic rhinitis: effects on quality of life and objective parameters

“…Previously, they were not tested or treated for AR. Their nasal congestion was found to be due to the bilateral hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate via nasal endoscopic examination and topical decongestant test described earlier [12]. Patients with systemic disease, previous sinonasal or turbinate surgery, severe nasal septal deviation, nasal valve insufficiency, concomitant sinonasal disorders or who were smoking were excluded.…”

Long-term follow-up of children after submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinate for rhinitis

“…Previous studies have shown that objective results do not necessarily correlate with subjective (mainly visual analogue scores) results [15]. There is some evidence to suggest that individuals who respond well to topical decongestants are likely to subjectively feel an improvement than those who do not [4]. This factor was not investigated in this study.…”

“…Typically, SMD is offered to patients after a failed trial of medical intervention (nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines). Previous studies have highlighted that there may be an improved result following surgery in individuals who respond well to topical decongestion [4]. Positive allergy testing and the age of the child have not been addressed in the literature as factors that would improve the response after surgery.…”