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 pure mode for the RFITT procedure(s). In the last year a new device has been provided which allows a different mode: fine 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:

40 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 had surgery 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 after 6 and 52 weeks; Comparison of nasal crusting an recurrence during physical examination after 2, 6 and 52 weeks and objective measurement of the nasal flow with noninvasive airflow rhinomanometry before, 6 and 52 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 fine RFITT procedure. No differences after 6 and 52 weeks in both groups neither in the subjective outcome (NOSE Score), nor in the objective outcome (crusting, rhinomanometry).

Discussion:

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

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)