The Long-term Effect of Inferior Turbinate Surgery Techniques on Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harju, Teemu; Numminen, Jura
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 131:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 933
• Page End: 940
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: clinical outcomes research -- miscellaneous -- nasal and sinus surgery -- microdebrider -- quality of life -- visual analog scale -- nasal obstruction -- rhinology -- otolaryngology -- nasal turbinate -- radiofrequency ablation; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/00034894211049573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT), and diode laser techniques on the severity of nasal obstruction and quality of life (QOL) in a 3-year follow-up. Methods: The patients filled a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) regarding the severity of nasal obstruction and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) questionnaire preoperatively and during the control visits at 3 months and 3 years. Acoustic rhinometry was also performed. A total of 78 patients attended both control visits. Results: All 3 techniques improved the VAS score for the severity of nasal obstruction and the GHSI total score significantly compared to the preoperative values at both 3 months and 3 years. Compared to the preoperative values, all 3 techniques increased the V2 to 5 cm values significantly at 3 months. After 3 years, compared to the preoperative values, the MAIT ( P = .005) and diode laser ( P < .001) still had a statistically significant volume increase in V2 to 5 cm, whereas the RFA ( P = .06) did not achieve a statistically significant effect. Conclusion: The RFA, MAIT, and diode laser all improved both the patients' subjective sensation of the severity of nasal obstruction and QOL significantly. The response was sustained during the 3-year follow-up period with all 3 techniques. A weakening in the objective treatment response to RFA was found in the longer follow-up, but that did not cause a weakening of the patients' subjective treatment response.