Argon plasma surgery for treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy: a long-term follow-up in 157 patients.

Chronic nasal obstruction is a common disorder, mostly caused by hypertrophic inferior turbinates. In cases of nonresponse to conservative medical management, the surgical reduction of the inferior turbinates is often required. Surgical techniques for the reduction of hyperplastic nasal turbinates include monopolar or bipolar coagulation, partial or total reduction of the turbinates with a conchotome or scissors and laser surgery with Nd:YAG, CO(2) or KTP. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a new, innovative technique in otorhinolaryngology which is based on high-frequency electrocoagulation with an argon gas source. The fast and short surgery times, the absence of hemorrhagic complications and, in rhinosurgery, the complete abstention from any kind of nasal packing are remarkable. Between March and November 2000, a group of 157 patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction due to hypertrophic inferior turbinates were treated using APC, at the Otorhinolaryngology Surgery Department of the Hospital of Dolo (Venice). The follow-up period was 24 months. Rhinomanometry was performed to objectively measure the nasal obstruction and to verify the postoperative improvement. The Student t test was used for statistical data. After 24 months, 87% (p < 0.001) of the patients reported to have a better nasal airflow than before the operation. None of the patients needed a nasal packing after APC surgery. The indication, advantages, complications, controversies and long-term results of the treatment with APC in rhinosurgery are reviewed and discussed.