Does submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates reduce nasal resistance to airflow in the long term?

The operation of submucosal diathermy is commonly performed for the relief of nasal obstruction due to mucosal swelling. In this study the effect of the procedure on nasal resistance to airflow is assessed by rhinomanometry. The results show that although the operation is effective in the short term (two months), there is no significant difference between the nasal resistances prior to surgery and at 15 months after surgery.