Use of peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry and nasal decongestant to evaluate outcome of septoplasty with radiofrequency coblation of the inferior turbinate

• Published in: Rhinology Vol. 52; no. 2; p. 112
• Main Authors: Balikci, H H, Gurdal, M M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01.06.2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Catheter Ablation; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Inhalation - physiology; Inspiratory Capacity - physiology; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Decongestants; Nasal Obstruction - physiopathology; Nasal Obstruction - therapy; Nasal Septum - surgery; Oxymetazoline; Rheology; Rhinoplasty; Treatment Outcome; Turbinates - surgery; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0300-0729
• DOI: 10.4193/Rhin13.181

To investigate the role of peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry (PNIF) in evaluating inspiratory improvements in patients who underwent both septoplasty and inferior turbinate coblation by radiofrequency (ITC-RF). One hundred and eight patients underwent both Cottle's septoplasty and ITC-RF. PNIF measurements were performed in all patients in the preoperative period and 6 months postoperatively. All measurements were made both before and after decongestion of the nasal cavity with oxymetazoline spray. Mean preoperative PNIF measurements differed significantly: 104.3 ± 33.6 L/min vs 136.1 ± 27.7 L/min before and after oxymetazoline decongestion, respectively. Mean postoperative PNIF measurements were 139.2 ± 30.8 L/min and 151.2 ± 32.3 L/min before and after decongestion, respectively. Preoperatively the mean difference between before and after decongestion was 32.1 ± 16.3 L/min. Postoperatively the mean difference was 11.8 ± 11.1 L/min. PNIF can be used in the assessment of ITC-RF outcomes with the aid of nasal decongestants, even in patients who also underwent septoplasty.