Nitrous oxide for applying local anesthesia in nasal operations: a randomized placebo-controlled single-blinded study.

Conclusions: In our study setting nitrous oxide (N(2)O) did not show any clinical benefit in discomfort experienced when applying local anesthesia for nasal operations. Further studies with longer inhalation times are needed to elucidate the role of N(2)O in application of local anesthesia in nasal surgery.

Objectives: N(2)O inhalation reduces the discomfort experienced in various medical procedures.

Submucosal bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates: a long-term follow-up with subjective and objective assessment.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and morbidity of bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of the inferior turbinates in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy.

Study Design: Prospective, nonrandomized study and outpatient treatment.

Methods: Twenty patients (age range, 23-77 y; median age, 52 y) enrolled in the study.

Bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of the soft palate in habitual snorers without significant desaturations assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

Sleep-disordered breathing, including habitual snoring, is a major health problem. Treatment of primary habitual snoring should be individualized using both conservative and active treatment methods. Active surgical interventions are, however, associated with significant morbidity.