Compensatory Inferior Turbinate RFA and Lateralization in Septorhinoplasty: A Randomized Study.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Compensatory inferior turbinate hypertrophy often accompanies septal deviation, impacting nasal airway function.
• Septorhinoplasty (SRP) aims to correct nasal deformities and improve airflow.
• The independent contribution of concomitant compensatory inferior turbinate (CIT) intervention to SRP outcomes requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if CIT intervention during SRP independently enhances postoperative nasal airway function and patient-reported symptoms.
• To identify predictors of functional recovery following SRP with or without CIT intervention.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-four patients with nasal obstruction and hypertrophy underwent either SRP alone or SRP with CIT radiofrequency ablation and turbinate lateralization.
• Nasal obstruction was assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale.
• Objective nasal airflow was measured using Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Both surgical groups showed significant improvements in NOSE scores and PNIF values postoperatively.
• No significant differences in functional outcomes were found between the SRP alone and SRP + CIT groups.
• Multivariate analysis indicated that CIT treatment was not an independent predictor of improved nasal airway function or symptom relief.

Conclusions:

• Concomitant CIT intervention during SRP does not independently improve postoperative nasal airway function or patient-reported symptoms.
• Preoperative nasal airflow and patient sex were weakly associated with improved outcomes, but overall models lacked statistical significance.
• Functional recovery after SRP appears multifactorial, not solely dependent on CIT intervention.