Abstract
The inferior turbinates of over 1200 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were vaporized by a defocused carbon dioxide laser beam, using specially designed handpieces. The carbon dioxide laser was used under the assumption that the allergic reaction could be inhibited by causing scar tissue formation in the superficial layer of submucosa of the inferior turbinate, where the allergic reaction is considered to occur. Laser surgery can be done under surface anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and it is painless, with no bleeding. 80% of 156 patients who were checked one year after the laser surgery showed excellent or good results. 78% of 73 patients who were followed for over two years showed excellent or good results ; however, twenty-seven of the 73 patients needed revaporization because of recurrence. Laser surgery is an easy, safe and effective treatment for perennial allergic rhinitis, especially in children.
