[The effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance].

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of the study is to observe the effect of submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates on nasal airway resistance (NAR).

METHOD

Using active anterior rhinomanometry, NAR were measured in seventeen patients who suffered from chronic rhinitis before and post operation. The subjective impression of their nasal patency was assessed using a 10-point scale.

RESULT

The NAR is(0.662 +/- 0.22) kPa.s/L before operation and (0.302 +/- 0.17) kPa.s/L three months after operation. The NAR is 0.397 +/- 0.25 ten months after operation. The differences are statistically significant (P < 0.01) between the NAR before and post operation. There are significant differences in the subjective impression of patients' nasal patency as well (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is effective in decreasing NAR and improving the subjective impression of their nasal patency.