Submucosal bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates: a long-term follow-up with subjective and objective assessment

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and morbidity of bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study and outpatient treatment. METHODS: Twenty patients (age range, 23-77 y; median age, 52 y) enrolled in the study. There was one dropout. All the patients had nasal blockage despite medical treatment. Bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation was delivered to inferior turbinates at 100 kHz with a voltage root mean square value of 168 to 182. The preoperative and postoperative nasal functions were investigated by immediate and long-term visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of symptom parameters, olfactory thresholds, saccharine transit time, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. The follow-up was conducted at 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The VAS scores of subjective complaints (nasal discharge, itching, sneezing, crusting) decreased, and the VAS scores of evaluation of the effectiveness (frequency of nasal obstruction, degree of nasal obstruction, and patient satisfaction) increased statistically significantly in the 12-month follow-up without relapses. There were no adverse effects on nasal epithelial clearance time and olfactory functions. In rhinomanometry the changes in total nasal resistance and response to the vasoconstrictor agent were not statistically significant. In acoustic rhinometry the change in the sum of both nasal cavity volumes from nostril to 5 cm was statistically significant 6 and 12 months after the treatments. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative vasoconstrictive effect was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates is a promising alternative, which should be considered when planning inferior turbinate interventions.     

Radiofrequency is a safe and effective treatment of turbinate hypertrophy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency for reduction of inferior turbinate volume. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective before-and-after trial. METHODS: Fourteen patients complaining of chronic nasal obstruction and failing to respond to medical treatment were prospectively enrolled. All patients presented with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and no septal deformity. Radiofrequency inferior turbinate tissue reduction with three punctures in each turbinate (mean energy/puncture: 342 +/- 36 J, mean duration: 69 +/- 17 s, plateau tissue temperature: 75 +/- 6.4 degrees C). Patients were evaluated before and on days 3, 7, and 60 after intervention. RESULTS: No postoperative pain or complications were reported. Evaluation of nasal obstruction, quantified by visual analogue scale, showed a significant decrease of day time and nighttime obstruction after surgery. Acoustic rhinometry measurements showed that turbinate hypertrophy was significantly reduced in the sitting and supine positions on day 60 after surgery. Saccharin transit times decreased significantly on day 60 compared with preoperative measurements. Ciliary beat frequency, measured in vitro in nasal epithelial cells sampled from the inferior turbinate by brushing, was not significantly different before surgery and on day 60 after surgery. In the same samples, ciliated cells were the most abundant epithelial cell type before and after surgery, although in five cases, moderate numbers of squamous cells were detected on either day 7 or day 60 after surgery. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency is a safe surgical procedure capable of reducing turbinate volume without altering the nasal mucosa, and causing minimal discomfort for the patient.     

Changes of nasal function after temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for the turbinate

OBJECTIVES: Temperature-controlled and temperature-monitored radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) for the turbinate is a new treatment modality for nasal obstruction secondary to turbinate hypertrophy. We compared the nasal functions after the treatment ofRFTVR and laser vaporizing turbinoplasty (LVT) using subjective symptom scores and objective tests. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively evaluated from March 1999 to October 1999 at Seoul National University Hospital (Seoul, Korea). Sixteen patients were treated with RFTVR, and eight patients with LVT. The preoperative and postoperative nasal functions were investigated by visual analogue scale of symptoms, butanol threshold test, saccharine test, acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and ciliary beat frequency. RESULTS: At 8 weeks postoperatively, the severity and the frequency of nasal obstruction improved subjectively in 81.3% and 93.8% of RFTVR group and in 87.5% and 87.5% of LVT group, respectively. Significant improvement of nasal symptoms began from 2 to 3 days after the operation in the RFTVR group, whereas there was significant improvement of nasal symptoms at 8 weeks after operation in the LVT group. However, objective nasal functions including nasal volume and total nasal resistance were significantly improved at 8 weeks after surgery in both groups. Among patients reporting symptoms of hyposmia, 55.6% of RFTVR group and 63.6% of LVT group showed improved olfaction. Saccharin transit time and ciliary beat frequency were preserved after RFTVR CONCLUSION: RFTVR for the turbinate may be useful as an alternative approach for the treatment of chronic turbinate hypertrophy.     

等离子低温射频消融治疗鼻塞疗效评价

目的评价等离子低温射频治疗下鼻甲肥厚的主观远期疗效。方法采用前瞻性非随机研究,均为门诊患者。美国Afthrocare等离子低温射频手术系统行下鼻甲消融,VAS评分法评价治疗前后鼻塞程度,t检验分析治疗前,治疗后2个月,治疗后1年疗效差异。结果治疗前后VAS统计学差异显著,1年后满意率100％,1次治疗满意率95％,除1例感染外,无其他并发症。结论等离子低温射频是目前下鼻甲肥大消融治疗的微创、安全、有效的方法。     

Long-term comparison between submucosal cauterization and powered reduction of the inferior turbinates

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the results of powered turbinoplasty and to compare these with submucosal cauterization of the inferior turbinates. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, comparative surgical trial. METHODS: Nineteen patients with medication-resistant chronic nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy were randomized to undergo powered turbinoplasty on one side and submucosal cauterization on the other. For each side, an extensive assessment (symptom scoring, endoscopic scoring, and acoustic rhinometry) was recorded preoperatively and on week 1, week 3, month 3, year 1, and year 5 postoperatively. RESULTS: Powered turbinoplasty was superior to submucosal cauterization on all aspects of the assessment. A significant difference (P < .05) was noted for postoperative crusting, endoscopical scoring of turbinate size, and acoustic rhinometry measurements of nasal cavity volume and mean area at the level of the nasal valve. In addition, the results of powered turbinoplasty were still apparent on long term follow-up, whereas submucosal cauterization was associated with a recurrence of turbinate hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Performing a powered turbinoplasty leads to decreased patient morbidity during the postoperative healing and to a better control of long-term results when compared with submucosal cauterization.     

Treatment of hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate: long-term results in 382 patients randomly assigned to therapy.

A number of surgical techniques are commonly performed to control the symptoms of inferior turbinate hypertrophy unresponsive to medical treatment. We report long-term results in 382 patients randomly assigned to receive electrocautery (62), cryotherapy (58), laser cautery (54), submucosal resection without lateral displacement (69), submucosal resection with lateral displacement (94), and turbinectomy (45). Outcomes of objective test results from rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, mucociliary transport time, and secretory immunoglobulin A levels were compared to the symptom scores before and yearly after surgical treatment. These data indicate that submucosal resection with lateral displacement of the inferior turbinate results in the greatest increases in airflow and nasal respiratory function with the lowest risk of long-term complications.     

Infected inferior turbinate pneumatization

With the widespread utilization of endoscopic nasal surgery, the interest in nasal structures has increased. Inferior turbinate pneumatization is among the most rare causes of nasal obstruction. In the current literature, there are only ten reported cases of inferior turbinate pneumatization. A 52-year-old male patient presented with nasal obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, facial pain and headache. Anterior rhinoscopic examination showed bilateral middle and inferior turbinate hypertrophy and edema of the nasal mucosa. Computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral frontal, anterior and posterior ethmoidal and maxillary sinusitis with bilateral concha media bullosa and right infected inferior turbinate pneumatization. In this report, infection of this rare anatomical abnormality is presented for the first time and documented with acoustic rhinometry, CT and peroperative photography.     

Comparative study on the long-term effectiveness between coblation- and microdebrider-assisted partial turbinoplasty

OBJECTIVES: Various surgical methods have been tried to relieve the symptoms of nasal obstruction in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Recently, coblation that uses the radiofrequency and microdebrider is being increasingly used in turbinate surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term postoperative outcome between the coblation- and microdebrider-assisted partial turbinoplasty. METHODS: We selected 60 patients for this prospective study who had nasal obstruction and hypertrophied turbinate mucosa that was refractory to medical treatment. Thirty patients were treated with coblation (group 1) and 30 patients were treated with microdebrider (group 2). Postoperative changes in degree of nasal obstruction were evaluated prospectively at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. A cross-sectional area of second notch and volume of nasal cavity were compared at 12 months after operation. Operation time, duration of crust formation, postnasal drip, and postoperative bleeding were also compared. RESULTS: Nasal obstruction was improved significantly in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. However, when compared between two groups, symptom improvement was statistically significant in group 2 at 12 months after surgery. Acoustic rhinometry performed at 12 months demonstrated a significant increase of cross-sectional area of second notch and volume of nasal cavity in group 2 in comparison with group 1. There were no significant differences in degree of postnasal drip, operation time, or duration of crust formation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that microdebrider-assisted partial turbinoplasty is more effective and satisfactory in long-term relief of nasal obstruction and reduction in mucosal volume of anterior head of inferior turbinate.     

低温等离子消融术与下鼻甲成形术治疗慢性鼻炎的对比研究

目的 通过研究低温等离子消融术与下鼻甲成形术术后患者鼻塞改善情况和对鼻腔黏膜纤毛功能的影响,探讨治疗慢性鼻炎更有效的方法。方法 选取慢性鼻炎患者40例,随机分为两组,分别行等离子消融术(A组)与下鼻甲成形术(B组)。术前,术后1周、1个月、3个月分别用VAS评分评价患者鼻腔症状。糖精试验评价术前及术后3个月患者鼻腔黏膜纤毛传送功能。结果 等离子组术中出血、手术时间较下鼻甲成形组明显减少,且术后并发症较少;术后3个月两组患者鼻塞均有明显改善;两种手术方式对鼻腔黏膜纤毛功能无影响。结论 对单纯黏膜肥厚的慢性鼻炎,等离子消融疗效显著;对鼻甲骨质肥厚或形态异常的慢性鼻炎,下鼻甲成形术效果好。     

Long-term self-reported treatment effects and experience of radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy of the inferior turbinates performed under local anesthesia: a retrospective analysis

Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common complaint. Radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy of the inferior turbinates (RFITT) under local anesthesia is now a widely used treatment, however reports of assessment of the long-term self-reported benefits and patient satisfaction of the treatment are scarce. This study focuses on the self-reported long-term effects of treatment and experience of RFITT. A questionnaire was sent to 441 patients who underwent RFITT in our clinic to treat symptoms of impaired nasal passage due to enlarged inferior turbinates. All patients had enlarged inferior turbinates on nasal examination. Patients were included if RFITT was done under local anaesthesia, was performed more than a year before the questionnaire was forwarded and on the indication-significant nasal obstruction because of enlarged inferior turbinates. Improvement of nasal breathing (by means of a Visual Analog Scale, VAS), changes in use of nasal spray (VAS), usage of pain medication, patient friendliness of the treatment, complaints reported after treatment, permanent effect of treatment during day and night time and willingness to recommend treatment to others were analyzed. No significant post-operative complications were observed. There was a significant reduction in use of nasal spray and the majority of patients interviewed reported long-term positive effects of RFITT during the daytime. This study shows that RFITT performed under local anesthesia is a valuable, minimally invasive, patient-friendly and well-tolerated treatment in patients with impaired nasal passage due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy.     

鼻内镜下改良下鼻甲成形术与下鼻甲低温等离子消融加骨折外移术治疗重度慢性肥厚性鼻炎的临床对比研究

目的 将鼻内镜下改良下鼻甲成形术与下鼻甲低温等离子消融加骨折外移术治疗重度慢性肥厚性鼻炎(下鼻甲黏膜、骨膜及骨质均增生肥大、鼻甲形态异常、VAS评分重度)进行对比研究。 方法 回顾性分析124例重度慢性肥厚性鼻炎患者,按照手术方式分为A(64例)、B(60例)两组,A组采用改良下鼻甲成形术,B组采用下鼻甲低温等离子消融加骨折外移术。术前1周、术后6个月、术后12个月分别用VAS标准评分患者鼻腔症状。糖精试验评价术前1周及术后6个月两组患者鼻腔黏膜纤毛传送功能。术前1周及术后6个月测定鼻阻力,评定鼻塞改善情况。 结果 下鼻甲低温等离子消融加骨折外移术组术中出血、手术时间较改良下鼻甲成形组明显减少,且术后并发症较少;术后6个月两种患者鼻塞均有显著改善;两种手术方式对鼻腔黏膜纤毛功能均无明显影响。A组平均手术时间27.80 min、并发症发生率9.38%,B组平均手术时间19.10 min、并发症发生率6.67%。两组患者术后6个月VAS平均评分差异无统计学意义(P=0.12),术后12个月差异有统计学意义(P=0.03)。 结论 改良下鼻甲成形术与下鼻甲低温等离子消融加骨折外移术治疗重度慢性肥厚性鼻炎近期效果(6个月内)都良好,但远期效果(1年以上)改良下鼻甲成形术效果更好,因而建议对于重度慢性肥厚性鼻炎患者应因人而异精准诊疗。     

Comparison of ultrasound turbinate reduction, radiofrequency tissue ablation and submucosal cauterization in inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Chronic nasal obstruction owed to chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is a common cause of nasal airway obstruction. In cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, various surgical techniques are commonly performed, but the issue of the optimal surgical procedure is still controversial. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound treatment of the hypertrophied inferior turbinates, which is a technique recently applied in rhinologic surgery. We aimed, also, to compare this method with the radiofrequency cold coblation turbinate reduction and the traditional submucosal monopolar inferior turbinate cauterization. We studied prospectively 60 patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis of nonallergic etiology, who underwent different surgical methods of turbinate reduction, divided into two groups: (1) in 30 patients, inferior turbinate volume reduction using ultrasound procedure on the left side and monopolar diathermy on the right was performed; (2) in 30 patients, radiofrequency coblation technique on the left side and ultrasound turbinate reduction on the right side was undertaken. Subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction and pain was performed using visual analog scales and objective evaluation of the surgical outcome was obtained using active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Examinations were performed preoperatively, and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Both subjective and objective evaluation showed significant postoperative improvement in all cases. The best results were obtained with the ultrasound procedure, and second with the radiofrequency technique. The least improvement was observed in the electrocautery group, although its results did not differ significantly from the radiofrequency group. It may be, thus, concluded that ultrasound turbinate reduction is an effective and safe procedure for the management of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, in patients failing to respond to medical treatment. Using this method, better results were obtained in decreasing subjective symptoms and nasal obstruction, in comparison with radiofrequency and electrocautery.     

Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for treatment of turbinate hypertrophy in children

BACKGROUND: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is one of the most common causes of nasal airway obstruction in children. Medical treatment often produces very little improvement. Radiofrequency therapy has recently been shown to be safe and effective in volumetric tissue reduction of the turbinates in adults, but no report has been published about its use in children. We prospectively evaluated the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RVTR) for the treatment of nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy in children. METHODS: We followed up 93 children less than 9 years of age who underwent RVTR over 12 months. This surgery was performed with other procedures, such as tonsillectomy with or without grommet insertion (57 patients), tympanoplasty (10 patients), or grommet insertion alone (26 patients). Clinical examination, a medical questionnaire, and scores recorded pre- and postoperatively using Gertner-Podoshin plates were used to assess treatment outcomes 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: No adverse effects were encountered. One primary bleed due to tonsillectomy was the only complication in this group. Eighty-seven children (94%) had significantly improved nasal breathing postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that RVTR is a safe, effective method for the treatment of turbinate hypertrophy in children. In addition, our data demonstrates good patient acceptance over a period of 1 year.     

Quantitative measurement of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction by multidetector CT in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Objective

To objectively assess the efficacy of radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively enrolled. Radiofrequency energy was delivered to four sites in each inferior turbinate. Patients were evaluated before and 8 weeks after intervention. Subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and objective evaluation of the turbinate volume reduction was calculated using multidetector CT. Volumetric measurements of the preoperative inferior turbinate were compared with postoperative values on both sides.

Results

The great majority of patients (91.4%) exhibited subjective postoperative improvement. Mean obstruction (VAS) improved significantly from 7.45 ± 1.48 to 3.54 ± 1.96. Significant turbinate volume reduction was achieved by the surgery on both right and left sides [(preoperative vs. postoperative, right: 6.55 ± 1.62 cm³ vs. 5.10 ± 1.47 cm³, (P < 0.01); left: 6.72 ± 1.53 cm³ vs. 5.00 ± 1.37 cm³, (P < 0.01)] respectively.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency is a safe and effective surgical procedure in reducing turbinate volume in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Multidetector CT is an objective method of assessment in detecting radiofrequency turbinate volume reduction.     

A randomised clinical trial of turbinectomy for compensatory turbinate hypertrophy in patients with anterior septal deviations

Turbinectomy is performed at the time of nasal septal surgery by many otolaryngologists. One reason given for this procedure is the presence of a hypertrophied contralateral inferior turbinate. A randomised trial was undertaken to evaluate the relief of nasal obstruction following contralateral turbinectomy with septal surgery. Patients presenting with nasal obstruction who had a unilateral septal deviation and contralateral inferior turbinate enlargement were prospectively randomized to contralateral turbinectomy or no turbinate surgery at the time of septal surgery. Questionnaires and active anterior rhinomanometry were used for evaluation. Twenty-six patients (mean age 31 years) demonstrated a reduction in subjective and objective measures of nasal obstruction (P < 0.05) 8 weeks after operation. There was no intergroup difference, the median total decongested nasal resistance postoperatively in the non-turbinectomized patients was 0.17 kPal-1 s and 0.21 kPal-1 s in the turbinectomized patients. Contralateral inferior turbinectomy does not add to the relief of nasal obstruction beyond that attained by septal surgery in these patients.     

生活质量问卷与鼻声反射测量在下鼻甲肥大不同术式疗效评价中的应用研究

目的　比较下鼻甲黏膜下骨质切除术和骨折外移术治疗下鼻甲肥大的手术疗效。方法　利用生活质量（quality of life,QOL）调查量表和鼻声反射测量对分别接受两种术式的患者进行术前1周和术后12个月的评估。结果　47例下鼻甲肥大患者入选本研究,鼻腔鼻窦结局测试-20（sino-nasal outcome test-20,SNOT-20）量表显示两种术式均使患者获得QOL改善,且术后改善程度相似,下鼻甲肥大患者术前五大问题依次为睡眠质量差、经常需要擤鼻涕、流黏稠鼻涕、容易疲劳、头晕。术后依次为鼻涕倒流、流清水样鼻涕、打喷嚏、注意力不集中、工作效率降低;两种术式均可使患者的鼻声反射测量参数最小横截面积,0～5 cm鼻腔容积（nasal volume,NV）和2～5 cm NV发生显著改变,且黏膜下骨质切除术比骨折外术移获得更宽敞的NV,分别为（7.28±2.01）cm3 vs（6.01±1.22）cm3,（5.99±1.87）cm3 vs（4.23±1.08）cm3（P <0.05）;但SNOT-20得分和鼻声反射测量数值无相关性。结论　针对程度较轻的下鼻甲肥大的患者,推荐下鼻甲骨折外移术作为首选手术方案。     

等离子下鼻甲部分消融术与吸切钻下鼻甲部分切除术

目的比较等离子下鼻甲部分消融术与吸切钻下鼻甲部分切除术对慢性肥厚性鼻炎患者术中、术后的影响。方法等离子组患者25例,对照组14例。等离子组用低温等离子射频消融系统连接45号刀头,行下鼻甲前、后部中隔侧的4～6通道消融。对照组用吸切钻自前向后切割下鼻甲肥厚黏膜,术后需填塞止血2日。术后患者对疼痛和鼻堵程度采用VAS评分。术前、术后1个月、3个月、6个月均由医师对每侧下鼻甲进行评分,由患者评估鼻堵程度和频度。结果等离子组术中出血较对照组明显减少,术后疼痛和鼻堵程度较轻。术后1个月等离子组和对照组的鼻堵程度、鼻堵频度和下鼻甲体积较术前均有明显改善,二者改善的程度无明显差别。术后3个月两种术式均疗效稳定且等离子组鼻堵频度进一步改善。术后6个月两种术式疗效依然稳定。结论等离子下鼻甲部分消融术创伤小,术中、术后出血少,痛苦小;术后1个月患者主观症状与客观体征均有明显改善;术后3个月患者主观症状进一步改善;术后6个月内疗效均稳定且与吸切钻下鼻甲部分切除术疗效相当。     

射频消融治疗下鼻甲肥厚所致鼻塞的疗效

目的 :探讨射频消融治疗下鼻甲肥厚所致鼻塞的效果。方法 :对 18例下鼻甲肥大致鼻塞患者采用射频消融术缩小双侧下鼻甲 ,术前及术后 3个月应用视觉模拟评分表 (VAS)来评价鼻塞的主观感觉。结果 :患者术前鼻塞VAS评分左侧为 (6 7.7± 9.4 ) % ,右侧为 (70 .5± 10 .5 ) % ;术后 3个月左侧为 (4 5 .0± 9.0 ) % ,右侧为(5 3.3± 11.6 ) % ,左右侧分别与术前比较 ,差异均有极显著性意义 (均P <0 .0 1)。随访 3个月 ,检查双侧下鼻甲与鼻中隔的最小距离从术前小于 0 .2cm增加到术后大于 0 .3cm。结论 :射频消融术是安全、有效、微创地治疗下鼻甲肥大所致鼻塞的较好治疗方法     

Laser treatment of rhinitis—1 year follow-up

Laser cautery of the inferior turbinates for the treatment of rhinitis has been shown to be as effective as sub-mucosal diathermy in the short-term and to produce less morbidity. However, the long-term effects are unknown. A cohort of patients who were treated by either of these methods were reviewed 1 year after treatment. Subjective and objective measurements of airway obstruction were performed using a linear analogue scale and a nasal peak inspiratory flowmeter. The results obtained were compared with those recorded pre-operatively, 3 days post-operatively and 6 days post-operatively. In contrast to the results of sub-mucous diathermy of the inferior turbinates for the treatment of rhinitis, the reduction in subjective nasal airway obstruction obtained by laser cautery to the inferior turbinates is maintained 1 year after surgery. Neither method of turbinate reduction was associated with a sustained objective improvement in nasal airway patency as measured by peak nasal inspiratory flow rate determinations.     

Ho:YAG and diode laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates

BACKGROUND: Since the early 80's, chronic nasal obstruction due to hyperplastic turbinates is treated by laser light. Comparative clinical studies were performed to assess the clinical outcome of laser assisted endonasal turbinate surgery in longterm. METHODS: By means of a pulsed Ho:YAG laser emitting light at lambda = 2100 nm (0.8 - 1.2 J/pulse, 4 - 8 Hz), 69 patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to allergic rhinitis (46 %) and vasomotor rhinitis (54 %) were treated under local anesthesia. Furthermore, 50 patients (52 % with allergic rhinitis and 48 % with vasomotor rhinitis) were treated by means of a GaAlAs-diode laser (c. w., lambda = 940 nm, 8 - 10 W). The treatment time took 3 - 10 min/turbinate and nasal packing was not necessary after the laser procedure. The study was conducted by a standardized questionnaire, photo documentation, allergy test, mucociliar function test, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. RESULTS: Within 4 weeks after laser treatment, an improvement of nasal airflow correlating to the extent of the ablated turbinate tissue could be determined in more than 80 % of the patients. Rhinomanometry revealed a significant improvement of the nasal airflow 6 months and 1 year after the laser treatment compared to the preoperative data. Side effects like nasal dryness and pain were rare (< 5 %). Diode laser treatment revealed more effective results than Ho:YAG laser treatment, however there was no significant difference between the two investigated groups. Patients suffering from vasomotor rhinitis showed far better results in long term in comparison to allergic rhinitis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ho:YAG and diode laser treatment can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in a short treatment time with promising results. It could become a time and cost effective treatment modality in endonasal laser surgery.