A long-term assessment of cryotherapy for treating vasomotor instability

Cryotherapy was used to treat severe nasal vasomotor instability in 21 patients who had failed several varied medical regimens. Treatment was given via a closed nitrous oxide system for intervals of 60 to 75 seconds. Anatomic sites treated included the medial aspect of the pterygopalatine fossa, posterior inferior middle turbinate, and posterior superior inferior turbinate. The minimum follow-up interval was two years. The conditions of 18 of 21 patients were substantively improved with one surgical freeze, and an additional patient responded favorably to three procedures. Three of four patients with associated obstructive sleep apnea also had apnea relieved. The technique presented warrants further evaluation in a larger series of patients.