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

Background: 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). Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: PNIF can be used in the assessment of ITC-RF outcomes with the aid of nasal decongestants, even in patients who also underwent septoplasty.