Nasal Cytology in Radiofrequency Turbinate Volume Reduction

Abstract

Introduction: Radiofrequency turbinate volume reduction (RFTVR) is an effective treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. RFTVR can reduce epithelial cell alterations in nasal mucosa. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of RFTVR on nasal obstruction and cytology, stratifying for different types of rhinitis. Methods: Nasal cytology and subjective nasal obstruction were evaluated on 113 patients before RFTVR (T0) and after 3 months (T1). The patients were divided into groups on the basis of the underlying disease: allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, and other diseases (e.g., hormonal-based turbinate hypertrophy). Results: Nasal cytology at T0 identified 42 patients with allergic rhinitis, 40 with nonallergic rhinitis, 19 with rhinitis medicamentosa, and 12 with other diseases. An improvement of nasal cytology at T1 was observed in 29.2% of cases. They mainly consisted of patients with nonallergic rhinitis with neutrophils, whose neutrophil infiltrate decreased. Only 2 cases (1.7%) showed a worsening of nasal cytology at T1. A statistically significant decrease in subjective nasal obstruction was observed for every group (p < 0.05). Higher differences of nasal obstruction between T0 and T1 were found in patients with rhinitis medicamentosa or other diseases. Conclusion: RFTVR represents a safe and effective treatment for turbinate hypertrophy of various etiology. It is not responsible for a worsening of inflammatory infiltrate of the nasal mucosa.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis – 2023

“…Bony outfracture, the most atraumatic and conservative IT surgery, 2301 can reduce the distance between IT and lateral nasal wall and enlarge the dimensions of the nasal airway when performed alone 2302,2303 or in conjunction with other techniques 2304,2305 . IT surgery via energy‐related techniques 2304–2363 and via direct tissue removal 1093,2296,2299,2303,2307,2310,2331,2332,2335,2336,2338,2344,2364–2376 have both been extensively studied, with reported high efficacy in reducing symptoms and increasing nasal volume and airflow with minimal complications. Of note, botulinum toxin injection 2377–2379 and high‐intensity focused ultrasound may also provide symptomatic relief, 2380,2381 though there remains limited evidence for their utility.…”