Radiofrequency Coblation versus Surface Bipolar Cautarization for the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Abstract

Background: Nasal obstruction is the foremost complaint of a large number of patients in otolaryngologic practice most commonly caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Objective: This study aimed to compare surface bipolar electrocautery with radiofrequency coblation in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

Patients and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted at ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals in the period from May 2020 to Jul 2021, included 34 patients with nasal obstruction due to hypertrophied inferior turbinates (HIT) resistant to medical treatment for a period not less than six weeks. The first group included 17 patients with HIT treated by bipolar cauterization and second group include 17 patients with HIT treated by radiofrequency coblation.

Results: This study showed that nasal obstruction showed significant improvement in both groups postoperatively. There was no significant deference between both regarding nasal obstruction although there was improvement in objective evaluation. In addition, there was no crustation observed in nasal mucosa among patient. The discharge and crustation were significantly associated with bipolar group.

Conclusions: Both techniques have proven to be equally effective. In both the groups, radiofrequency is considered to be more accurate. Bipolar electrocautery and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction are equally effective in improving both the subjective and objective nasal obstruction