Coblation turbinate reduction in childhood allergic rhinitis

SummaryIntroductionNasal obstruction is the allergic rhinitis symptom least amenable to medical treatment, and inferior turbinectomy may be required. Coblation is a minimally invasive technique that is effective in obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The present study assessed efficacy in children presenting with obstructive allergic rhinitis after failure of medical management.Patient and methodsThis prospective study included nine children with allergic rhinitis. Coblation was performed after assessment of rhinitis. Obstruction was assessed on rhinomanometry and a visual analog scale; other rhinologic functional signs were assessed on interview, and functional impact was assessed on the PRQLQ quality of life questionnaire.ResultsAfter the procedure, all nine children showed reduced nasal obstruction and improved rhinologic function signs, confirmed by the favorable evolution of PRQLQ scores.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the interest of coblation in controlling nasal obstruction in children with allergic rhinitis refractory to medical treatment, with conserved nasal function. Larger-scale studies with longer follow-up will be needed to confirm these results.