Innovative Approach to Chronic Rhinitis: a Vietnamese Experience with Microdebrider - Enhanced Inferior Turbinectomy.

Abstract

Background: Chronic rhinitis, including the specific condition of inferior turbinate hypertrophy, represents a significant challenge within the field of otolaryngology. This condition, characterized by the hyperplastic enlargement of the turbinates, severely impacts nasal airflow and overall quality of life.

Objective: This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of endoscopic inferior turbinectomy using a microdebrider in treating chronic rhinitis in a Vietnamese hospital setting.

Methods: This prospective case series was conducted at Viet-Tiep Hospital, involving 31 patients with chronic rhinitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy who underwent endoscopic inferior turbinectomy using a microdebrider from 2017 to 2019. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were analyzed, including nasal airflow, surgical duration, and symptom improvement. Key outcomes, such as pain, nasal crusting, and airflow changes, were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and Glatzel scale, alongside endoscopic findings and CT imaging for turbinate morphology.

Results: This study included 31 patients (mean age: 42 years, 64.5% male) undergoing endoscopic inferior turbinectomy using a microdebrider. All patients had nasal congestion, with 83.9% experiencing bilateral symptoms. Preoperatively, 80.6% had severe nasal obstruction, and 87.1% showed no response to vasoconstrictors. Common symptoms included rhinorrhea (64.5%), snoring (67.7%), and headache (71%). Postoperative outcomes were favorable, with 90.3% reporting good results. Mild nasal obstruction persisted in 12.9% after one month. Nasal crusting was minimal in 51.6%, and 93.3% showed turbinate reduction. Mild postoperative bleeding occurred in 6.5%, and pain levels were mostly mild.

Conclusion: Endoscopic inferior turbinectomy with a microdebrider is an effective, minimally invasive option for chronic rhinitis, offering significant symptom relief and low complication rates. Its short operative time and minimal postoperative pain support its broader adoption.