Results of Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Tissue Volume Reduction for the Turbinate Hypertrophy
Prakobkiat Hirunwiwatkul MD*,
Affiliation : Songklot Aeumjaturapata MD*, Pornchai Oraphin MD**
* Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
** Eye Ear Nose Throat Hospital, 585 Sirindhron Road, Bangbamru, Bangplad, Bangkok
Objectives : To assess the efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) for the
inferior turbinate.
Research designs: Prospective, single-blinded, experimental clinical trial.
Method : Twenty patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were enrolled. Nasal obstruction
was compared between before and after the treatment (at 1-3 days, 1 week and 6-8 weeks) of RFTVR using subjective
symptom scores, physical findings and videotape images.
Results : Improvement of nasal symptoms was observed as early as 1 week after the operation. However, significant
improvement was obtained at 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion : RFTVR for the turbinate may be useful as an alternative approach for the treatment of chronic turbinate
hypertrophy.
Keywords : Radiofrequency, Nasal obstruction, Nasal turbinate hypertrophy
