Treatment of turbinate hypertrophy with high frequency surgery

Aim: For over a century, surgical management of lower turbinate hypertrophy, has given rise to much discussion. Aim of the present investigation was to establish, by means of the analysis of a large patient population, the efficacy and reproducibility of high frequency surgery, in the treatment of' this condition. Material and Methods: A total of 1689 non-allergic patients with nasal obstruction, presenting hypertrophy of the lower turbinates were submitted, under local anaesthesia, to turbinates decongestion using, a high frequency, instrumental unit with a bipolar terminal electrode. Efficacy of the procedure was evaluated on the basis of objective examination, results of questionnaires, active anterior rhinomanometry and mucociliar transport time. Results: Results revealed a reduction of hypertrophy, an improvement in symptoms. A reduction in nasal resistances and an improvement of mucociliar transport time the large patient population. Low post-operative complication rate and the good patient compliance, due also to the fact that no haemostatic procedure is necessary. Conclusion: Would suggest that this method is particularly valid. Effective and sate for the treatment of hypertrophy of the lower turbinates.