Nasal Obstruction Is Reduced 5–7 Years After Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction: Results From a Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Nasal obstruction, often caused by structural and inflammatory conditions, is prevalent and significantly impacts health-related quality of life. Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction (RFTR) is a widely employed treatment for inferior turbinate hypertrophy, yet evidence of its long-term effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to assess the patient-perceived long-term outcomes of RFTR in patients with nasal obstruction, focusing on quality of life as measured by the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and to identify baseline factors predicting surgical outcome. METHODS: A cohort of 198 patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent RFTR for nasal obstruction filled out the SNOT-22 questionnaire and additional questions preoperatively and 5-7 years postoperatively. Predictors of persistent nasal obstruction after RFTR were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: SNOT-22 scores significantly decreased from score mean 43.14 (0-104, min-max) to 34.66 (0-101) at the 5- to 7-year follow-up (p < 0.001), with notable improvements in the rhinologic and sleep function domains. However, baseline symptoms of 'thick nasal discharge' and 'poor sleep quality' were associated with a higher relative risk and higher odds ratio of continued nasal obstruction after adjustment for confounders. These baseline symptoms remained significant predictors of persistent nasal obstruction postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction reduced nasal obstruction and also showed long-term efficacy in improving health-related quality of life after long-term outcome, with most patients reporting positive outcomes. Patients with severe baseline symptoms of thick nasal discharge and poor sleep quality may experience less favourable outcomes, possibly due to comorbidities. These findings highlight the potential of SNOT-22 to identify patients at risk of persistent symptoms post-RFTR.