[The effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance].

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of the study is to observe the effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance (NAR).

METHOD: Using active anterior rhinomanometry, NAR were measured in seventeen patients who suffered from chronic rhinitis before and post operation. The subjective impression of their nasal patency was assessed using a 10-point scale.

RESULT: The NAR is(0.662 +/- 0.22) kPa.s/L before operation and (0.302 +/- 0.17) kPa.s/L three months after operation. The NAR is 0.397 +/- 0.25 ten months after operation. The differences are statistically significant (P < 0.01) between the NAR before and post operation. There are significant differences in the subjective impression of patients' nasal patency as well (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is effective in decreasing NAR and improving the subjective impression of their nasal patency.