Nasal Reactivity After Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Branches of Posterior Nasal Nerve

Transection or ablation of the posterior nasal nerve (TRPN) has been described as an adjunctive tool to reduce the symptoms of intractable allergic rhinitis (AR). The procedure, however, requires surgical skill and carries the risk of bleeding from the sphenopalatine artery. The aim of the present study is to describe radiofrequency ablation of the peripheral branches of the posterior nasal nerves within the inferior turbinates (RAPN) as an effective easier alternative to TRPN.

The procedure was performed on 24 patients with intractable AR. Nasal reactivity was tested by cold dry air (CDA) provocation before and 12 months after the radiofrequency procedure. Visual analog scale and acoustic rhinometry were used to measure the changes in nasal reactivity subjectively and objectively.

Worsening of nasal symptoms following CDA provocation had significantly decreased after the RAPN procedure. Likewise, postoperative decrease in nasal volumes and minimal cross-sectional areas after CDA provocation were significantly less than the corresponding preoperative values.

RAPN effectively reduces nasal reactivity in patients with AR. The procedure is simple, minimally invasive, and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.