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).
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).