Comparison of the Effects of Laser-Assisted Conchotomy (LACON)and Coblation-Assisted Partial Turbinoplasty (CAPT) in Allergic Rhinitis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are many operative methods for allergic rhinitis such as partial or total turbinectomy, submucosal resection. Laser- assisted conchotomy (LACON) and coblation-assisted partial turbinoplasty (CAPT) are recently being commonly performed for minimal invasive surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the subjective and objective results in the groups of patients with allergic rhinitis who underwent LACON or CAPT after long term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to January 2007, 64 patients with allergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy who underwent LACON or CAPT were enrolled in this study. 28 patients had LACON therapy and 36 patients underwent CAPT randomly. The symptom of allergy, duration of crust formation, and nasal patency in acoustic rhinometry were analyzed in months 3, 6, 9, 12 after surgery. RESULTS: With the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the patients who received LACON all reported significant differences in allergic symptoms. However, patients who received CAPT reported significant differences only in nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea. There were no significant differences in both groups in regard to nasal patency change (nasal volume, cm3) and duration of crust formation. CONCLUSION: As LACON is effective on all symptoms and CAPT is effective only on nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, the procedures can be performed respectively, depending on the symptoms of patients.