Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jn8rn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T23:33:18.286Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Long-term histological examination of inferior concha after radiofrequency thermal ablation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 August 2010

I Cukurova
Affiliation:
Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
E A Cetinkaya*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Ministry Of Health Antalya Ataturk Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
E Demirhan
Affiliation:
Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
A Avci
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Erdem Atalay Cetinkaya, Antalya Atatürk Devlet Hastanesi, KBB Kliniği, Antalya, 07050Turkey E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective:

To examine the histological effects of radiofrequency thermal ablation on the inferior concha epithelium and subepithelium, over five years post-treatment.

Method:

Inferior nasal concha epithelial biopsy specimens were examined histologically before and four, 30, 48 and 60 months after radiofrequency treatment, in six patients with inferior nasal concha hypertrophy.

Results:

At four months post-treatment, there was proliferation of blood vessels, increased inflammatory cells and a slightly decreased number of glands. At 30 months post-treatment, the number of inflammatory cells and glands had decreased, but signs of increased vascular proliferation, fibrosis and granulation were seen. At 48 and 60 months post-treatment, the number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels had decreased significantly, the number of glands had increased, and lobulation was observed.

Conclusion:

Radiofrequency thermal ablation does not cause carbonisation or osteitis in the inferior concha. The resultant fibrosis causes contraction of the concha and only minor tissue destruction (as shown by the persistence of submucosal glands).

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Back, LJ, Hytonen, ML, Malmberg, HO, Ylikoski, JS. Submucosal bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinates: a long-term follow-up with subjective and objective assessment. Laryngoscope 2002;112:1806–12Google Scholar
2Smith, TL, Correa, AJ, Kuo, T, Reinisch, L. Radiofrequency tissue ablation of the inferior turbinates using a thermocouple feedback electrode. Laryngoscope 1999;109:1760–75CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3Lee, KC, Hwang, PH, Kingdom, TT. Surgical management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the office: three mucosal sparing techniques. Oper Tech Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;12:107–11Google Scholar
4Lin, HC, Lin, PW, Su, CY, Chang, HW. Radiofrequency for the treatment of allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Laryngoscope 2003;113:673–8Google Scholar
5Onerci, M, Ünal, F. The Concha Diseases and Surgery [in Turkish]. Ankara: Matsa, 2001;16Google Scholar
6Sapcı, T, Sahin, B, Karavus, A, Akbulut, UG. Comparison of the effects of radiofrequency tissue ablation, CO2 laser ablation, and partial turbinectomy applications on nasal mucociliary functions. Laryngoscope 2003;113:514–19Google Scholar
7Sargon, MF, Çelik, HH, Uslu, SS, Yücel, OT, Denk, CC, Ceylan, A. Histopathological examination of the effects of radiofrequency treatment on mucosa in patients with inferior nasal concha hypertrophy. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2009;266:231–5Google Scholar
8Li, KK, Powel, NB, Riley, RW, Troell, RJ, Guilleminault, C. Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for treatment of turbinate hypertrophy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:569–73CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9Elwany, S, Gaimaee, R, Fattah, HA. Radiofrequency bipolar submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinates. Am J Rhinol 1999;13:145–9CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed