Does laser turbinectomy influence local allergic inflammation in the nose?

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of laser turbinectomy on local allergic inflammation by measuring the secretion of mediators (histamine, bradykinin, and TAME-esterase activity) in nasal lavage fluid after nasal provocation with different allergen concentrations. Our study included 15 patients, aged 15-35 years, who displayed perennial housedust-mite rhinitis (positive prick test, RAST class > 2, and positive nasal provocation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) extract) and hypertrophic inferior turbinates. Rhinomanometry (Rhino-test 441, Allergopharma, Germany) and nasal provocation with D.p. extract (Allergopharma, Germany) followed by lavage were performed in all patients. The procedure was repeated three and 12 months after Neodynium:YAG laser turbinectomy. Three and 12 months after laser turbinectomy, we found a significant improvement of nasal flow (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and resistance (p < 0.1 and p < 0.01, respectively) with a tendency towards airway blockage in the long-term follow-up, but no changes in mediator levels of nasal lavages after allergen provocation, suggesting that laser turbinectomy has no effects on local allergic inflammation.