Comparison of fine RFITT vs. pure RFITT of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction

Introduction:

Submucosal radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy of the inferior turbinates (RFITT) can improve nasal passage by means of a minimally invasive procedure causing shrinkage of turbinate volume. Over the last years the Celon ProBreath needle was used with the Fine mode for the RFITT procedure(s). Recently a new device has been provided which allows a different mode: Pure RFITT. The objective of this prospective study is to compare the subjective outcome after applying RFITT in two different modes in patients with nasal obstruction.

Materials:

20 patients diagnosed with nasal obstruction due to turbinate hypertrophy were included. Inclusion criteria were: no previous therapy with RFITT, subjective complaints of nasal passage and no previous turbinate surgery. All patients were operated in the ENT Centre Mangfall-Inn in Rosenheim, Germany. RFITT of the turbinates was performed with exactly the same needle (ProBreath) but with different modes on the right and left nostril (intraindividual design). Endpoints were the subjective improvement measured with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire on both sides after 6 weeks; Comparison of nasal crusting during physical examination using a severity scale from 0 – 5 after 2 and 6 weeks and objective measurement of the nasal flow with noninvasive airflow rhinomanometry before and 6 weeks after surgery.

Results:

There is a significant difference in pain during the surgery and crusting 3 days afterwards with less pain and crusting in the fineRFITT procedure. No differences after 6 weeks in both groups neither in the subjective outcome (NOSE Score), nor in the objective outcome (crusting, rhinomanometry).

Discussion:

We recommend the fineRFITT Mode for the treatment of the lower turbinates in local anesthesia.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)