(108) Clinical Outcomes of Bipolar Radiofrequency Transmural Ablation Using the DENNIS Probe for Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate postoperative symptom outcomes, healing trajectory, and complications following inferior turbinate reduction using bipolar radiofrequency ablation, with particular attention to the relationship between postoperative crusting and symptomatic improvement.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a high-volume otolaryngology practice. Adult patients who underwent inferior turbinate reduction with the DENNIS probe between December 2004 and July 2025 were included (n = 155). Extracted data included demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes. Symptom change was categorized as improved, unchanged, or worsened. Descriptive statistics summarized outcomes, with paired nonparametric tests used for longitudinal comparisons. Associations between crusting and symptom improvement were assessed using Fisher's exact test and Spearman's rank correlation.

Results: Follow-up was documented in 50.5% of patients at early, 44.8% at intermediate, and 31.5% at long-term intervals. Among patients with documented outcomes, symptomatic improvement was reported by 59.5% at early follow-up, increasing to 80.0% at intermediate follow-up and remaining durable at long-term follow-up (76.3%). Improvement from early to intermediate follow-up was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Crusting was common early (86.8%) but declined significantly at intermediate (40.5%) and long-term follow-up (12.0%; (p < 0.001). At intermediate follow-up, patients without crusting were more likely to report improvement than those with persistent crusting (90.3% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.002). Complications were rare.

Conclusions: Inferior turbinate reduction using bipolar radiofrequency ablation is associated with sustained symptomatic improvement and low complication rates. Persistent postoperative crusting is associated with reduced symptomatic benefit and represents a potential target for postoperative management and counseling.