Cryotherapy for chronic vasomotor rhinitis: technique and patient selection for improved results

Current methods of therapy of chronic vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis are frequently unsuccessful. This led to the development of a standardized technique of intranasal cryotherapy (longer freeze duration and larger area of therapy than previously reported) which was utilized in 50 patients. Indications for cryotherapy included: failure of medical therapy in anatomically normal patients with mucosal disease caused only by vasomotor rhinitis. Minimal follow-up was 2 years. Obstructive symptoms (subjective and objective evaluation) were eliminated in 92% and markedly improved in the remaining 8%. Excessive drainage (subjective) was relieved in 47%, markedly improved in 41%, and minimally improved (therapeutic failure) in 12%. Complications were minor; however, increased postoperative pain, drainage and healing duration (compared to prior series) were encountered. This cryotherapy technique provides significantly improved results in the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis when proper patient selection and technique are utilized.