Clinical Feasibility Trial of 1,940-nm Diode Laser in Korean Patients with Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThe purpose of this clinical feasibility trial was to evaluate the preliminary results regarding postoperative outcomes of inferior turbinate reduction using a 1,940-nm thulium laser system. Materials and MethodsThis clinical feasibility trial included eight patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The inferior turbinate reduction was performed using a 1,940-nm thulium laser with 4.5 W of output power. Intraoperative scoring was performed by a surgeon rating the ablative capacity of the apparatus ResultsNo complications were observed in this study. The surgeon's mean rating on the ablative capacity of the laser was 4.13 ± 0.35. Postoperative pain decreased prominently (4.13 ± 2.10, 1.38 ± 1.19, 0.25 ± 0.46 on postoperative day one, week one, and week two, respectively) with a statistically significant difference observed between postoperative day one and week two [p=0.0005]. Swelling on postoperative day one had decreased significantly by postoperative week one [p=0.001]. Scar contraction score on postoperative day one had decreased significantly by postoperative week one [p=0.003]. ConclusionThe 1,940-nm Thulium fiber laser system is an efficient alternative to conventional laser systems in the treatment of nasal congestion due to hypertrophied nasal turbinates. Further randomized comparative clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and to extend the 1,940-nm laser-energy application in the clinics.

Diode Laser Turbinate Reduction in Allergic Rhinitis: A Cross-sectional Study

“…The operating time ranged from two to twelve minutes. 5,7,8,10,11 Significant improvement was noted by three months time. The reported complications included intraoperative bleeding, postoperative blood mixed nasal secretions, pain, doi: 10.31729/jnma.3644 CC BY doi: 10.31729/jnma.3870 CC BY crusting and synechia.…”

“…4 Diode lasers of 940nm, 980nm, 470nm and 1940nm wavelength have been employed. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Diode laser turbinate reduction (LTR) is performed as an office procedure under local anaesthesia. The operating time ranged from two to twelve minutes.…”

“…The reported complications included intraoperative bleeding, postoperative blood mixed nasal secretions, pain, doi: 10.31729/jnma.3644 CC BY doi: 10.31729/jnma.3870 CC BY crusting and synechia. [6][7][8]10,11 There are limited studies on diode LTR in Indian subcontinent. [6][7][8] This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of diode LTR in medical therapy resistant allergic rhinitis and encourage its use among care providers.…”

Medical Applications of Diode Lasers: Pulsed versus Continuous Wave (cw) Regime

“…More recently, Lee et al [ 17 ] studied the efficacy of laser tonsillectomy using a 1940-nm laser working with a fluence of 12 W. The mean time for the procedure was 22.6 min and a notable reduction in pain at one week postoperative was elicited. Kang et al [ 18 ] applied DL radiation with wavelength 1940 nm for the treatment of nasal congestion due to hypertrophied nasal turbinates. As the absorption coefficient of 1940-nm radiation in tissue is very high, the laser ablates tissue more precisely with less thermal damage.…”

Morphological and histopathological study of hypertrophied inferior nasal turbinate in Egyptian patients: in clinical perspective

“…The inferior turbinates (IT) have nasal valve mechanism that has an important role in regulation of air flow through the nose that lead to the maintenance of nasal breathing function [1].…”