Inferior turbinate hypertrophy radiofrequency management for children with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: To evaluate, using radiofrequency techniques, the relevance and effectiveness of treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in children with cystic fibrosis.

Materials And Methods: A study of patients with cystic fibrosis with hypertrophy of inferior turbinate who were being treated at Lisieux Hospital In-Patient Paediatric and ENT- Head and Neck Surgery Department. 41 patients were included in the study and followed over 2 years. We analyzed the postoperative phase and the effectiveness of treatment, through clinical and radiological examination.

Results: A clinical improvement of symptoms is observable from the third month after surgery in 100% of cases. However, we noted a loss in the effectiveness of radiofrequency on the turbinate tissue one year following operation, which worsens with time. However, the postoperative results remain satisfactory at 1 year and 2 years.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency is, in our opinion, the treatment of choice for inferior turbinate hypertrophy in children with cystic fibrosis. It combines a simple and low-risk effect with effective preservative treatment. However, the benefits of radiofrequency fade with time. Nonetheless, this technique yields postoperative results that remain satisfactory beyond 2 years. It is often useful to consider a new session after this date.