Abstract
The effects of contact Nd-YAG laser surgey on perennial allergic rhinitis patients were studied in 100 patients. The bilateral inferior turbinates were vaporized under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The patients were 44 males and 56 females, aged 9-70 years. About one month after surgery, the improved rates of sneezing, nasal discharge and nasal obstruction were 85%, 76% and 92%, respectively. Six months after surgery, the improved rates were 80%, 71% and 88%, respectively. One year after surgery, the improved rates were 67%, 60% and 74%, respectively. We believe that contact Nd-YAG laser surgery for perennial allergic rhinitis is useful, but in our study, a recurrence of nasal symptoms occurred in 16-18% after one year. We recommend revaporization in patients whose nasal symptoms recur.
