Acoustic rhinometry evaluation of radiofrequency ablation of the turbinates.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to determine if acoustic rhinometry (AR) can predict the outcome of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the inferior turbinates. PATIENTS AND METHODS Preoperative AR measurements of 19 subjects undergoing inferior turbinate RFA were analyzed before and after decongestant. The average total percentage change in cross sectional area (CSA) 1 and in total volume was calculated for each. Both the physician and patient assessed treatment success subjectively. If available, postoperative data was analyzed. RESULTS The congestion factor of CSA1 was 72.76+/-75.58 before surgery and 42.32+/-27.79 after surgery (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in CSA1, CSA2, CSA3 and total volume after the radiofrequency ablation surgery. All patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Physician assessment was 'satisfactory' for 18 patients and 'partially satisfactory' for one. CONCLUSION Nineteen patients had AR and RFA of the turbinate. Since all patients were satisfied with the operation, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the predictive value of AR. Although there was a trend to a larger volume postoperatively, none of the measured parameters were significantly different.