Radiofrequency, high-frequency, and electrocautery treatments vs partial inferior turbinotomy: microscopic and macroscopic effects on nasal mucosa.

Objective To compare the microscopic and macroscopic effects of radiofrequency, high-frequency, and electrocautery therapies with partial inferior turbinotomy in the treatment of nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Design Nonrandomized controlled trial. Setting Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Genoa. Patients The study included 80 patients affected by nasal obstruction from hypertrophied inferior turbinates. Interventions Homogeneous patient groups A, B, C, and D underwent radiofrequency, high-frequency, and electrocautery treatments and partial inferior turbinotomy, respectively, to surgically reduce hypertrophied inferior turbinates…