Bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the inferior turbinates: evaluation of short-term efficacy in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial

The objective of the study was to assess the short-term efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy. The study is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. A total of 22 patients (age range 21–72 years; median age 41 years) were randomized into two treatment arms. Using a bipolar radiofrequency system, the first group (VP-group) received RFVTR (verum = V) first (at t1) followed by a placebo treatment (P) 6–8 weeks later (at t2). The PV-group was treated with placebo first at t1 and received RFVTR at t2. Subjects in both groups underwent identical procedures in an office-based setting. Delivery of radiofrequency energy was the only difference between the two groups. The outcome measures assessed were rhinomanometry, physician’s evaluation of the degree of hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates and patients’ estimation of nasal obstruction. Physician and patient evaluations were documented using a score ranging from 0 = none to 4 = severe. Evaluation was performed 6–8 weeks after every intervention. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy improved significantly in both groups after RFVTR was performed (VP-group: p