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🔹 What is RF Turbinoplasty ?

Radiofrequency (RF) turbinoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce the size of hypertrophied inferior turbinates while preserving the mucosa.
It works by delivering controlled radiofrequency energy into the turbinate tissue → causes submucosal coagulation → gradual volume reduction over weeks.

🔹 Indications

RF turbinoplasty is commonly done for:

• Chronic nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy

• Allergic rhinitis with turbinate enlargement

• Vasomotor rhinitis

• Compensatory turbinate hypertrophy (e.g., with DNS)

• Patients not responding to medical therapy (steroids, antihistamines)

🔹 Principle of Action

• RF energy (≈ 350–500 kHz) is delivered submucosally

• Produces localized thermal injury (60–90°C)

• Leads to:

  • Tissue fibrosis

  • Volume reduction

  • Improved nasal airflow

• Mucosal surface is preserved → less crusting, less bleeding

🔹 Procedure (Step-by-Step)

1. Local anesthesia (topical + infiltration)

2. RF probe inserted submucosally along the inferior turbinate

3. Multiple lesions made (usually 2–3 per turbinate)

4. Each activation lasts 5–10 seconds

5. Procedure time: 5–10 minutes

6. Usually done as OPD / day-care procedure

🔹 Advantages

✅ Minimally invasive
✅ Can be done under local anesthesia
✅ Very minimal bleeding
✅ Preserves mucociliary function
✅ Quick recovery
✅ Safe in children and adults

🔹 Disadvantages / Limitations

❌ Effect is gradual (2–6 weeks)
❌ Less effective in bony turbinate hypertrophy
❌ May need repeat procedure in some patients
❌ Not ideal for gross turbinate enlargement

🔹 Complications (Rare)

• Mild pain or burning sensation

• Temporary nasal congestion

• Crusting (usually minimal)

• Infection (rare)

• Over-reduction → dryness (very rare compared to turbinectomy)

🔹 RF Turbinoplasty vs Other Methods

Method                 Bleeding      Mucosa             Recovery

RF Turbinoplasty                         Minimal          Preserved                        Fast

Submucosal Diathermy               Moderate         Partial damage                   Slower

Microdebrider Turbinoplasty      Moderate        Preserved                       Moderate

Partial Turbinectomy                 HighLost      Empty nose syndrome risk.    needs GA                                Slow

🔹 Post-Procedure Care

• Saline nasal spray/irrigation

• Avoid nose blowing for 24–48 hrs

• Short course of topical steroids if needed

• Review after 2–4 weeks

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