Three different turbinoplasty techniques combined with septoplasty: Prospective randomized trial

Nasal Patency Measurement: State of the Art of Acoustic Rhinometry

Nasal obstruction is one of the main symptoms of different nasal pathologies. Many physiological and pathological conditions can produce nasal airflow impairment causing nasal obstruction and affecting patients' quality of life. There are different methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction, but in clinical practice the most common used are acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow. This review describes the fundamentals of acoustic rhinometry, its normal values, the different physiological and pathological conditions that can modify nasal patency, and the utility of this instrument for the measurement of nasal obstruction in clinical practice. Acoustic rhinometry is a simple test, so it is suitable for measurements in the pediatric population, i.e., for evaluating adenoid hypertrophy. Acoustic rhinometry normal values are available, unilaterally and bilaterally for pediatric and adult populations. Acoustic rhinometry has been demonstrated to be reproducible and even superior to rhinomanometry when measuring nasal modifications during challenges. It is possible to use acoustic rhinometry before and after nasal surgery. Measuring nasal cavities volume and cross-sectional area, acoustic rhinometry is particularly indicated in rhinosurgery, especially for the evaluation of spreader grafts. Brief considerations about the correlation between nasal symptoms, in particular the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction, and the acoustic rhinometry results as well as the correlation of acoustic rhinometry with other methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction are also reported. Objective and subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction gives different information that together optimizes the diagnosis and the treatment of rhinologic patients. Acoustic rhinometry alone or in combination of other instruments for the measurement of nasal obstruction or patency should be used regularly in every outpatient clinic that treats patients with nasal obstruction as there is an increasing need of evidence-based therapies.

Long-Term Outcomes of Septoplasty With or Without Turbinoplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Septoplasty is used to correct nasal obstruction from nasal septum deviation. However, the long-term efficacy of septoplasty is unclear, and no literature reviews have examined long-term outcomes of septoplasty with or without turbinate modification. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of septoplasty with or without turbinate modification in improving nasal obstruction.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the aforementioned databases. Studies reporting outcomes 12+ months after functional septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery for nasal obstruction were included. Septorhinoplasties, concurrent sinus surgery, pediatric studies, and studies where septoplasty was performed for indications other than nasal obstruction were excluded.

RESULTS

After screening, 35 studies with 4,432 patients were included. Mean weighted post-operative follow-up time was 29.1 months (range 12-120 months). All studies reported significant improvement in subjective and objective outcomes at long-term follow-up compared to baseline. When comparing short-term (<12 months) to long-term (≥12 months) outcomes, four studies noticed that subjective outcomes worsened slightly over time, but no study found a significant change in objective outcomes over time. In addition, 23 studies reported patient satisfaction and/or improvement rates, with 75.4% (2,348/3,113) of patients expressing satisfaction/improvement at an average of 27.0 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, septoplasty with or without turbinate modification shows significant improvement in obstructive symptoms at long-term follow-up per both objective and subjective measures. Whether outcomes may worsen slightly over time remains indeterminate based on mixed results in the literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:2525-2537, 2024.

Functional nasal surgery in the office-based setting

Objective

Nasal obstruction is a very common problem often addressed by functional nasal surgery. Increasingly, these procedures are being performed in the office setting secondary to decreased down time, cost, and obviation of general anesthesia. Our goal with this review is to discuss how to appropriately select patients for office-based procedures, what procedures may be considered, and current outcomes with in-office functional nasal surgery.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar.

Methods

Research databases were searched for articles discussing techniques for performing functional nasal surgery in an office setting, and outcomes of various in-office functional nasal procedures.

Results

Studies found and included in this review discuss many aspects of office-based functional nasal surgery, including practical points on patient selection and office set-up, what procedures can safely be performed, and outcomes of different techniques to address specific problems. Broadly, procedures amenable to performance in the office address the internal and external nasal valves, the nasal septum, and the inferior turbinates.

Conclusion

A wide range of techniques to aaddress the nasal valves, septum, and inferior turbinates can be performed in a safe and effective manner without the need for an operative suite.

Surgical Management of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy in the Era of Widespread Communicable Disease

Inferior turbinate reduction procedures have been performed for decades. After significant evolution, turbinoplasty and other mucosal-sparing techniques have become the main method to successfully reduce turbinate hypertrophy. The debate of which technique produces the most effective and durable outcomes is ongoing. During this critical era of widespread communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19, HIV, and hepatitis, additional attention is necessary to balance outcomes with a degree of generation of airborne particles when selecting a technique. This review article aims to identify the optimal method for inferior turbinate reduction that weighs both outcomes and aerosol production. The MEDLINE database was searched to discover relevant publications through August 2022. Key search terms included inferior turbinate hypertrophy, turbinate reduction surgery, turbinoplasty methods, surgical management of turbinate hypertrophy, surgical aerosol generation, COVID-19 surgery, surgery smoke plume, SARS-CoV-2 transmission during surgery, and nasal procedures COVID-19 aerosols. Surgical management of the inferior turbinates includes radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAIT), electrocautery, laser, and ultrasound. Piezo-assisted turbinoplasty and a turbinate-specific coblation wand are new additions to the literature. All techniques appear to improve patient symptoms of nasal obstruction. MAIT and RFA are comparable, although MAIT demonstrated better long-term outcomes in some studies and appears to generate fewer airborne particles. Studies evaluating the production of aerosols due to RFA are lacking. Ultrasound outcomes are also excellent and generate no aerosols, but the technique has not been compared against the microdebrider. Electrocautery can result in increased pain and crusting for patients and causes the highest amount of aerosols. Deficiencies of current studies, including a lack of comparison of aerosol generation, duration of follow-up, omission of outfracture, and inadequate randomized controlled trials among existing and new techniques, have limited the identification of the best inferior turbinate reduction method. Given the durability of MAIT and its minimal aerosol production, it can be reinforced as the most sensible technique until further evidence is available.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Predictive Factors for Short and Long-Term Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a widely used technique for treatment of nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. This study aims to evaluate short and long-term outcome after RFA. Secondly, predictive factors for this outcome were evaluated.

METHODS

A prospective clinical study was performed in 65 patients to evaluate short-term outcome and predictive factors (Study A). To evaluate long-term outcome and predictive factors we performed a second clinical study in 124 patients (Study B). Patients scored nasal symptoms on a 1 to 5 points visual analogue scale (VAS) and filled in questionnaires about their comorbidity, previous nasal surgery, and medication use.

RESULTS

Study A: There was significant short-term (6-8 weeks after RFA) improvement in nasal obstruction (VAS -1.3, P < .001), trouble exercising (VAS -1.5, P < .001), trouble sleeping (VAS -0.9, P < .001), snoring (VAS -1.1, P< .001), and hyposmia (VAS -0.6, P = .004). Smoking (R² = .065, P = .047) was a predictor for less optimized and previous use of decongestive nasal spray (R² = .135, P = .005) for better short-term outcome. Study B: Nasal obstruction significantly decreased in the long term (1-5 years after RFA) compared to VAS before RFA (VAS -1.5, P < .001), but slightly increased compared to VAS 6 to 8 weeks after RFA (VAS +0.3, P = .036). Allergy (R² = .066, P = .006), asthma (R² = .068, P = .005), and previous use of corticosteroid nasal spray (R² = .050, P = .016) were associated with a less optimized and older age (R² = .217, P < .001) with better long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

RFA is an efficient treatment for nasal obstruction, and improves sleeping, exercising, snoring, and hyposmia. Predictors for good short-term outcome were previous use of decongestive nasal spray and no smoking. Predictors for a less optimized long-term outcome were allergy, asthma, and previous use of corticosteroid nasal spray. Older age was associated with better long-term outcome.

The Long-term Effect of Inferior Turbinate Surgery Techniques on Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life

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.

Inferior Turbinate Reduction during Rhinoplasty: Is There Any Effect on Rhinitis Symptoms?

Introduction  Inferior turbinate surgery is often performed concomitantly with rhinoseptoplasty. As inferior turbinates play a major role in allergic rhinitis, it seems reasonable to suggest that inferior turbinate surgery reduces allergy.

Objective  To assess the impact of nasal turbinate surgery on non-obstructive allergic symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, pruritus, and allergic conjunctivitis) and on the use of allergic medication in patients with allergic rhinitis undergoing rhinoseptoplasty.

Methods  Secondary analysis of aggregated data from two randomized controlled trials. Participants with allergic rhinitis aged ≥ 16 years were recruited. Data from two groups were analyzed: patients with rhinoseptoplasty and concomitant turbinate reduction (intervention group) and patients with rhinoseptoplasty only (control group). The 90-day postoperative frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms and of nasal steroid and oral antihistamine use were analyzed.

Results  A total of 100 patients were studied. The groups were similar in terms of allergic symptom intensity and mean age. The frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms decreased 90 days postoperative in both groups ( p  < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in the frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms at 90 days ( p  = 0.835). Topical nasal steroid and oral histamine antagonist use decreased in the intervention group at 90 days ( p  < 0.05).

Conclusions  Ninety days after the surgery, turbinate reduction performed in association with rhinoseptoplasty did not reduce the frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms more than rhinoplasty alone. However, the observed decrease in nasal steroid and oral antihistamine use suggests an impact of turbinate reduction on medication use in patients with allergic rhinitis undergoing rhinoseptoplasty.

Trial Registration  ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT01457638 and NCT02231216).

Partial Maxillectomy for the Improvement of Nasal Obstruction Can Be Combined with Septorhinoplasty

We describe the (anteromedial) partial maxillectomy technique which can be used to address impaired nasal breathing in cases of significant protrusion of the frontal process of the maxilla into the nasal cavity, narrowing the nasal pathway. It fits to nasal physiology avoiding mucosal resection. It can be combined with surgery of the inferior turbinate. The described technique can be used in all forms of rhinoplasty.

Long-term efficacy and safety of 3D printed implant in patients with nasal septal deformities

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of a 3D-printed bioresorbable polycaprolactone (PCL) nasal implant for nasal septal deformity reconstruction.

METHODS

Fourteen patients who had undergone nasal septum reconstruction surgery using 3D-printed PCL nasal septal implants were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change in total Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale scores between postoperative 3 months and current status (3.59 ± 0.51 years). The secondary outcomes were changes in the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and volume of both nasal cavities based on acoustic rhinometry, the cross-sectional area of the ostiomeatal unit, and the nasal septum angle of the paranasal sinus (PNS) in computed tomography (CT) images, and a visual analog scale (VAS) of the patients' subjective satisfaction.

RESULTS

The results showed no significant changes in the MCAs (Cohen's d:0.09; p = 0.711) or nasal volume (Cohen's d:0.26; p = 0.356), the area of the ostiomeatal unit (Cohen's d:0.49; p = 0.064), septum angles (Cohen's d:0.18; p = 0.831), the NOSE scale (Cohen's d:0.14; p = 0.621), or patients' subjective satisfaction (Cohen's d:0.52; p = 0.076) during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

This homogeneous composite microporous PCL nasal septal implant demonstrated long-term clinical efficacy and safety in human tissues that required maintenance of mechanical strength. Therefore, the indications for this implant could extend to various other craniofacial reconstructions in the future.

The effect of inferior turbinate surgery on nasal symptoms and inferior turbinate contractility

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA), diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT) in the treatment of chronic nasal obstruction in a one-year follow-up, and to pay special attention to the effect of the procedures on the contractility capacity of the inferior turbinates.

METHODS

The patients filled a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire regarding nasal symptoms pre- and postoperatively. Saccharin transit time (STT) evaluation and acoustic rhinometry were also performed. A total of 77 patients attended the one-year control visit and had technically reliable acoustic rhinometry results.

RESULTS

All the examined techniques decreased the VAS score for the severity of nasal obstruction statistically significantly. There was no deterioration found in the symptoms of crusting, nasal discharge, and sneezing, nor in mucociliary function in any of the groups. All the three techniques increased the non-decongested total V2-5 cm values and decreased the decongested total V2-5 cm values statistically significantly. The V2-5 cm change (%) values decreased statistically significantly in the RFA, diode laser, and the MAIT groups following the operations, the mean changes being -57 percentage points (pp), -53 pp, and -73 pp respectively.

CONCLUSION

All three techniques decreased the severity of nasal obstruction significantly in the one-year follow-up. Although submucosal fibrosis seemed to increase, all the techniques increased the anterior nasal cavity volume significantly. Inferior turbinate contractility decreased to the normal level from the preoperative congested state following the surgery with every examined technique.

Factors Predictive of Outcome in Inferior Turbinate Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to examine the various preoperative predictive factors of inferior turbinate surgery and to find possible factors that predict an optimal subjective response using 3 common surgical techniques-radiofrequency ablation (RFA), diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT)-in a randomized, prospective study with a 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

The patients filled a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire regarding the severity of nasal obstruction prior to and 1 year after surgery. A VAS score improvement of 3 points or more was chosen as an optimal subjective response. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to evaluate the effect of the predictive factors. In total, 80 patients attended a 1-year control visit.

RESULTS

In the multivariate analysis, patients without anterior septal deviation had a statistically significantly higher odds ratio of a satisfactory subjective response compared to patients with anterior septal deviation (5.6; 95% CI: 1.4-23.1; P = .02). Patients treated with RFA had a statistically significantly higher odds ratio of an optimal subjective response compared to patients treated with MAIT (9.0; 95% CI: 1.5-54.2; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior septal deviation seems to decrease the likelihood of an optimal subjective response to inferior turbinate surgery, which supports the consideration of concomitant septoplasty at least in clear cases to optimize the subjective response. Radiofrequency ablation had a significantly higher likelihood of an optimal subjective response compared to MAIT. Further investigations regarding the findings are needed.

Isolated Topical Decongestion of the Nasal Septum and Swell Body Is Effective in Improving Nasal Airflow

Background

Topical nasal decongestant sprays are used commonly in routine otolaryngology practice to reduce the symptoms of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) through vasoconstriction, thereby reducing the bulk of vasoerectile tissue and increasing nasal airflow. Such tissue is found predominantly on the lateral wall of the nose within the inferior turbinates (ITs), but recent evidence suggests that it may also be found medially within the nasal septal swell body (SSB).

Objective

To determine whether isolated topical decongestion of the medial nasal wall, targeting the SSB, is as effective as isolated decongestion of the lateral nasal wall, targeting the IT, in maximizing nasal patency.

Methods

A double-blinded, randomized controlled, crossover study was performed investigating the effect of decongestion of the lateral nasal wall or septum in isolation on nasal airflow. Isolated decongestion was performed by placing a cottonoid, soaked in oxymetazoline and attached to a silastic sheet, into the nasal cavity randomly facing either the septum or lateral nasal wall, bilaterally. Anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and subjective patient-reported outcomes (Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores) were recorded at baseline and postdecongestion. Decongestion of the alternate site was then performed at a later date.

Results

A total of 20 healthy volunteers (30% females, mean age 26.6 ± 3.8 years) were recruited. Improvements in nasal obstruction and SNOT-22 scores were found following decongestion of the septum compared with baseline (mean difference: 0.82, t = 2.32, P = .04; mean difference: 3.30, t = 2.50, P = .04, respectively). Improvements in mean inspiratory flow, minimal cross-sectional area, volume, and PNIF were also demonstrated.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the SSB contains erectile tissue that responds to topical decongestant therapy in a similar manner to IT tissue. The SSB may represent a novel target in surgery for NAO.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Nasal Airway Obstruction: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

Importance

Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is a common complaint in the otolaryngologist's office and can have a negative influence on quality of life (QOL). Existing diagnostic methods have improved, but little consensus exists on optimal tools. Furthermore, although surgical techniques for nasal obstruction continue to be developed, effective outcome measurement is lacking. An update of recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic management of NAO is warranted.

Objective

To review advances in diagnosis and treatment of NAO from the last 5 years.

Evidence Review

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, LILACS, Web of Science, and Guideline.gov were searched with the terms nasal obstruction and nasal blockage and their permutations from July 26, 2012, through October 23, 2017. Studies were included if they evaluated NAO using a subjective and an objective technique, and in the case of intervention-based studies, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and an objective technique. Exclusion criteria consisted of animal studies; patients younger than 14 years; nasal foreign bodies; nasal masses including polyps; choanal atresia; sinus disease; obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing; allergic rhinitis; and studies not specific to nasal obstruction.

Findings

The initial search resulted in 942 articles. After independent screening by 2 investigators, 46 unique articles remained, including 2 randomized clinical trials, 3 systematic reviews, 3 meta-analyses, and 39 nonrandomized cohort studies (including a combined systematic review and meta-analysis). An aggregate of approximately 32 000 patients were reviewed (including meta-analyses). Of the subjective measures available for NAO, the NOSE scale is outstanding with regard to disease-specific validation and correlation with symptoms. No currently available objective measure can be considered a criterion standard. Structural measures of flow, pressure, and volume appear to be necessary but insufficient to assess NAO. Therefore, novel variables and techniques must continue to be explored in search of an ideal instrument to aid in assessment of surgical outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Nasal airway obstruction is a clinical diagnosis with considerable effects on QOL. An adequate diagnosis begins with a focused history and physical examination and requires a patient QOL measure such as the NOSE scale. Objective measures should be adjunctive and require further validation for widespread adoption. These results are limited by minimal high-quality evidence among studies and the risk of bias in observational studies.

Level of Evidence

NA.

Use of Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Basophil, and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio to Predict Patient Satisfaction After Septoplasty Plus Inferior Turbinate Reduction

AIM

Investigation of the predictive value of neutrophil, platelet, eosinophil, and basophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, PLR, ELR, and BLR) in evaluation of patients' satisfaction of septoplasty + inferior turbinate reduction operations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-six patients who were operated because of nasal obstruction were enrolled in the study. They were invited to the hospital and asked to answer a modified nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) survey to determine their degree of satisfaction. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their modified NOSE survey results, dissatisfied and satisfied groups. The 2 groups were compared in terms of demographic data, surgery, and hematological values. In addition, correlation analysis was performed between NLR, PLR, ELR, BLR, and modified NOSE scores.

RESULTS

There were 29 patients in the dissatisfied group and 47 patients in the satisfied group. Both groups were similar in terms of mean age, gender, surgery type, septal deviation type, smoking, hemoglobin, neutrophil, and white blood count (P > 0.05). There were significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of ELR and BLR (P < 0.05). In addition, there were negative and statistically significant correlations between modified NOSE scores and ELR and BLR. As ELR and BLR values increased, the satisfaction rate decreased.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio and BLR could be used to predict patient satisfaction after septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction and for selection of patients.

[Anteromedial maxillectomy for improvement of nasal breathing : Advanced procedure in surgery of the lateral nasal wall]

The aim of classical surgical correction for nasal breathing impairment is to harmonically extend the physiological space in the nose by an operation of the nasal septum and inferior nasal turbinate. In this way the airflow character should be maintained and the mucosa protected in order not to endanger the respiratory function of the nose. This article presents an operative approach developed stepwise a few years ago in which the different operative steps are carried out depending on the individual anatomical situation and the underlying mucosal disease. The focus is on partial anteromedial maxillectomy.

In-office Functional Nasal Surgery

Nasal airway obstruction is a common complaint encountered by the otolaryngologist. In-office nasal procedures are becoming increasingly popular and should be considered for patients desiring immediate treatment without the adverse effects of general anesthesia, operating room costs, or scheduling delays. This article discusses the factors in patient selection, room setup, and other considerations. The options available for in-office treatment of nasal valve repair are discussed, including turbinoplasty, septoplasty, and nasal valve repair/functional rhinoplasty-type techniques described in the literature.

The 1470 nm diode laser with an intralesional fiber device: a proposed solution for the treatment of inflamed and infected keloids

Background

Keloids are the result of abnormal wound healing and often are subject to infections and recurrent inflammation. We present a study conducted with a 1470 nm diode laser using an intralesional optical fiber device for the treatment of inflamed keloid scars. We evaluate its efficacy as a novel alternative method to decrease keloid infection and inflammation.

Methods

The patients who underwent 1470 nm laser treatment from February 2016 to February 2018 at the plastic and reconstructive surgery department of the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University with keloid accompanying serious local infection and fester were included. Patients took curative effect evaluation before and 1 year after the treatment. The test items included infection frequency in each year; pain, by visual analogue scale (VAS); itch, using VAS; quality of life (QOL), using QOL scale; and blood supply, using PeriCam PSI.

Results

A total of 19 patients (mean age 35.21 years, range 11–66) with history of inflamed keloids with episodes of infection or abscess were enrolled. Patients underwent to a 1470 nm laser therapy for average of 1.16 times. After treatment, infection frequency and blood supply in keloids were reduced (p < 0.001). Pain, itching, and QOL were improved (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study shows that 1470 nm fiber laser treatment could improve inflamed keloids fairly well by decreasing inflammation, and a relative stabilization of collagen composition. Therefore, it is an effective minimally invasive scar therapy, but further studies are essential to confirm the present results.

The effect of inferior turbinate surgery on ciliated epithelium: A randomized, blinded study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to evaluate statistically the effects of radiofrequency ablation, diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty techniques on ciliated epithelium and mucociliary function.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

METHODS

A total of 66 consecutively randomized adult patients with enlarged inferior turbinates underwent either a radiofrequency ablation, diode laser, or microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty procedure. Assessments were conducted prior to surgery and 3 months subsequent to the surgery. The effect on ciliated epithelium was evaluated using a score based on the blinded grading of the preoperative and postoperative scanning electron microscopy images of mucosal samples. The effect on mucociliary function, in turn, was evaluated using saccharin transit time measurement.

RESULTS

The score of the number of cilia increased statistically significantly in the radiofrequency ablation (P = .03) and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (P = .04) groups, but not in the diode laser group. The score of the squamous metaplasia increased statistically significantly in the diode laser group (P = .002), but not in the other two groups. There were no significant changes found between the preoperative and postoperative saccharin transit time values in any of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiofrequency ablation and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty are more mucosal preserving techniques than the diode laser, which was found to increase the amount of squamous metaplasia at the 3-month follow-up. The number of cilia seemed to even increase after radiofrequency ablation and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty procedures, but not after diode laser. Nevertheless, the mucociliary transport was equally preserved in all three groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b Laryngoscope, 129:18-24, 2019.

Improvement in minimal cross-sectional area and nasal-cavity volume occurs in different areas after septoplasty and radiofrequency therapy of inferior turbinates

PURPOSE

Septoplasty and radiofrequency therapy for inferior turbinate hypertrophy (RFIT) are common techniques used to improve nasal patency. Our aim was to compare nasal geometry and function using acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) in three patients groups undergoing surgery for nasal obstruction, and to investigate if the improvement in minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and nasal-cavity volume (NCV) occurred in different cavity areas in the groups. Finally, we evaluated the correlation between the objective measurements and the patients' assessment of nasal obstruction (SNO).

METHODS

This prospective, observational study investigated 148 patients pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. Fifty patients underwent septoplasty (group 1), 51 underwent septoplasty combined with RFIT (group 2), and 47 underwent RFIT alone (group 3). The MCA and NCV were measured at two distances (MCA/NCV_0-3.0 and MCA/NCV_3-5.2), in addition to measuring PNIF and SNO.

RESULTS

Pre-operatively, groups 1 and 2 had narrower MCA_0-3.0 on one side than group 3 (0.31 ± 0.14 and 0.31 ± 0.14) versus (0.40 ± 0.16) cm². Post-operatively, total MCA_0-3.0 and MCA/NCV_3-5.2 increased in group 1. In group 2, MCA/NCV_0-3.0 at the narrow side and total MCA/NCV_3-5.2 increased, while total MCA/NCV_3-5.2 increased in group 3. PNIF improved from 106 ± 49 to 150 ± 57 l/min post-operatively. We found a correlation between increased MCA and NCV and less SNO in the septoplasty group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Surgery produced an improvement in MCA and NCV in all groups. The improvement occurred in different areas of the nasal cavity in the patient groups. Both anterior and posterior areas increased in the septoplasty groups, while only the posterior area increased in the RFIT group. PNIF improved in all three patient groups, indicating that surgery produced an improvement in nasal patency.

Effects of turbinoplasty versus outfracture and bipolar cautery on the compensatory inferior turbinate hypertrophy in septoplasty patients

Introduction

The most common cause of septoplasty failure is inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is not treated properly. Several techniques have been described to date: total or partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection (surgical or with a microdebrider), with turbinate outfracture being some of those.

Objective

In this study, we compared the pre- and postoperative lower turbinate volumes using computed tomography in patients who had undergone septoplasty and compensatory lower turbinate turbinoplasty with those treated with outfracture and bipolar cauterization.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 66 patients (37 men, 29 women) who were admitted to our otorhinolaryngology clinic between 2010 and 2017 because of nasal obstruction and who were operated on for nasal septum deviation. The patients who underwent turbinoplasty due to compensatory lower turbinate hypertrophy were the turbinoplasty group; Outfracture and bipolar cauterization were separated as the out fracture group. Compensatory lower turbinate volumes of all patients participating in the study (mean age 34.0 ± 12.4 years, range 17–61 years) were assessed by preoperative and postoperative 2 month coronal and axial plane paranasal computed tomography.

Results

The transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the postoperative turbinoplasty group were significantly lower than those of the out-fracture group (p = 0.004). In both groups the lower turbinate volumes were significantly decreased (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 in order). The postoperative volume of the turbinate on the deviated side of the patients was significantly increased: tubinoplasty group (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Both turbinoplasty and outfracture are effective volume-reduction techniques. However, the turbinoplasty method results in more reduction of the lower turbinate volume than outfracture and bipolar cauterization.

[Nasal turbinate surgery]

The nose forms the first 8 cm of the upper respiratory tract and is responsible for cleansing, humidification, and temperature control of the supplied air. This is also referred to as conditioning. The nasal valve region, formed by the head of the lower nasal concha, portions of the cartilaginous septum, and the upper lateral cartilage, is responsible for diffusing and accelerating the respiratory airflow. Prerequisite are regular mucociliary clearance and sufficient air passage. Hypertrophy of the lower nasal turbinate is one of the most common causes of symptomatic nasal congestion. In unclear cases, rhinometric procedures are available. In addition to conservative therapy of allergic or vasomotor rhinitis by specific immunotherapy or topical corticoids, numerous interventional procedures are available to reduce conchal tissue. All modern methods have a high degree of protection of the respiratory mucosa in common.