Impact of Cryoablation on Rhinomanometric Parameters in Vasomotor Rhinitis Patients.

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Vasomotor rhinitis is a prevalent non-allergic condition. Cryoablation has emerged as a promising minimally invasive treatment targeting posterior nasal nerves to modulate autonomic contribution to rhinitis symptoms.<b>Aim:</b> To evaluate cryoablation efficacy in vasomotor rhinitis through objective rhinomanometric assessment and subjective visual analogue scale evaluation, and identify treatment success predictors.<b>Materials and methods:</b> This retrospective study included 102 patients (63 males, 39 females; mean age 41.54 12.97 years) with vasomotor rhinitis who underwent cryoablation. Rhinomanometric measurements and obstruction scores (0-10 scale) were assessed pre-treatment and one month post-procedure. Treatment success was defined as ≥30% improvement in mean nasal airflow.<b>Results:</b> All nasal airflow parameters improved significantly (p < 0.001). The right nasal cavity showed increases of 36.02% 21.88% (inspiratory) and 31.37% 20.02% (expiratory); the left cavity improved by 25.86% 16.27% (inspiratory) and 23.97% 18.63% (expiratory). Effect sizes were large (Cohen's d: 1.84-2.67). Obstruction scores decreased from 7.52 0.82 to 1.97 0.41 (73.81% reduction, p < 0.001). Treatment success was achieved in 40.6% of patients. Baseline nasal airflow was the strongest predictor (R = 0.705, p < 0.001), with severe baseline symptoms (<300 ml/s) predicting greater improvement (β = 11.55, p = 0.027).<b>Conclusions:</b> Cryoablation significantly improves objective and subjective outcomes in vasomotor rhinitis. Patients with severe baseline symptoms achieve superior results, supporting cryoablation as an effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients.