Radiofrequency Coblation Versus Intramural Bipolar Cautery for the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Objective: Compare intramural bipolar electrocautery and radiofrequency coblation in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy with regards to objective and subjective improvement in nasal obstruction, rate and type of complications, experience during the procedure, and rate of recovery. Study Design: Prospective, single-blinded study. Setting: Single tertiary medical center from 2008 to 2010. Subjects and Methods: Forty-one adult patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical management were treated with radiofrequency coblation in one nostril and intramural bipolar cautery in the other. Subjective and objective data, including use of a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective outcomes, acoustic rhinometry, and nasal endoscopy, were then obtained from each patient comparing the 2 techniques. Results: Radiofrequency coblation was significantly less painful than intramural bipolar cautery during the procedure ( P = .03) and during the early postoperative period ( P < .02) and produced less crusting at 3 weeks ( P = .009). Both interventions were similar in subjective and objective improvements in nasal obstruction as measured by acoustic rhinometry and subjective VAS outcomes. Conclusion: Radiofrequency coblation seems to offer an equivalent alternative to bipolar electrocautery for the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy with less discomfort during the procedure and early post-operative period.