Effect of Inferior Turbinate Radiofrequency Procedure on Nasal Flora: A Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Microbiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Inferior turbinate hypertrophy frequently causes chronic nasal obstruction.
• Radiofrequency treatment is an effective, minimally invasive option for this condition.
• The impact of radiofrequency treatment on nasal bacterial flora and the need for antibiotics is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency treatment on nasal bacterial flora.
• To determine the necessity of postoperative antibiotics following the procedure.

Main Methods:

• 45 patients with noninfective inferior turbinate hypertrophy underwent radiofrequency treatment.
• Nasal swabs were collected and cultured before and one month after the procedure.
• Bacterial cultures were analyzed for changes in normal flora and potential pathogens.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found in total bacterial colonization counts post-treatment.
• Counts of normal flora and potentially pathogenic bacteria remained stable.
• A significant decrease in coagulase-negative staphylococci was observed.

Conclusions:

• Inferior turbinate radiofrequency treatment does not significantly impact nasal bacterial colonization.
• The procedure does not increase pathogenic bacteria, supporting the avoidance of routine postoperative antibiotics.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended.