Is vidian neurectomy worthwhile?

Vasomotor rhinitis is a frustrating experience both for the consultant and for the patient. The purpose of vidian neurectomy is to destroy the secretomotor nerve supply to the nasal mucosa, the main indication being severe intractable non-atopic vasomotor rhinitis. A review of 208 cases which have undergone transnasal vidian neurectomy by diathermy coagulation in the last five years is presented. The operation has proved worthwhile, the patients remaining symptom-free in 92 per cent of cases (longest follow-up 5 years). There have been no complications.