[How can hyperreflexia rhinopathy be modified surgically? I. Literature review]

A review of the literature on the surgery of vasomotor rhinitis revealed only a few studies with information by which to judge the value of a special surgical method, especially concerning its long-term results. The following modalities of treatment were reviewed: submucous resection of the septum (Killian), Vidian neurectomy, conchal surgery (diathermy, partial and total turbinectomy, cryosurgery, laser-surgery). As far as information is available, advantages and shortcomings of individual methods are listed in tables. Partial turbinectomy seems to be most effective in reducing nasal obstruction without damaging nasal functions. Nasal hypersecretion is not sufficiently influenced by the cited surgical methods. In the authors' hospital, conchal surgery is performed in about sixty percent of all nasal operations. Gray's method of anterior turbinoplasty of the inferior turbinate is used.