- Design
- Randomised trial, assessor-blinded
- Population
- 44 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy
- Primary outcome
- NOSE and VAS nasal obstruction scores over 12 months
- Effect
- 12-month NOSE 18.5 vs 34.5 (p = 0.027); VAS 2.2 vs 4.0 (p = 0.043)
A randomised trial with blinded outcome assessment compared medial flap turbinoplasty with coblation-assisted turbinoplasty for inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Forty-four patients completed (21 and 23).
Both improved at every time point. Early results were similar, but at 12 months medial flap patients had better NOSE scores (18.5 vs 34.5, p = 0.027) and VAS obstruction scores (2.2 vs 4.0, p = 0.043), greater turbinate reduction and less crusting. Pain and recovery were comparable.
Coblation is quick and popular in clinic settings, but its effect appears to fade. Where durable relief matters, the medial flap technique looks the better choice.
- Confirm failed medical therapy before turbinate surgery.
- Consider medial flap turbinoplasty where lasting relief is the priority.
- Warn coblation patients that symptoms may recur within a year.
- Reassess with NOSE score at follow-up.
Why it matters
Early equivalence hides a difference that appears by one year, which is what patients care about.
Don't overread it
Forty-four patients from one centre; a larger trial is needed to confirm durability.
The statistics, in plain English
A 16-point NOSE difference is large, but with 44 patients the p-value of 0.027 is modest and the interval would be wide. Twelve months is the longest follow-up, so later relapse is unknown.
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