[On the treatment of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis]

A method for the treatment of diffuse and organic forms of hypertrophic rhinitis (intramucosal diathermocoagulation of the inferior nasal conchae) has been developed. The method allows for the controlled application of high-frequency current to different parts of the nasal conchae. It is realized using special electrodes coated with an electroinsulating material (absent only at the working end and the opposite end attached to the handle). The 25 year-long experience in the treatment of patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis by this method indicates that it ensures good morphological and functional results in the majority of the cases. Intramucosal diathermocoagulation of the inferior nasal conchae is well tolerated by the patients, the procedure being painless and practically bloodless. Also, it provokes minimal adverse reactions and injures neither ciliary epithelium nor its glandular structures. The method is applicable at any age of the patients. Taken together, these characteristics of the method give reason to recommend it for a wider application for the treatment of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis.