Abstract
We conducted a questionnaire survey of 37 children with allergic rhinitis treated with KTP laser between 2005 and 2009. Twenty-two patients answered the questionnaire. The improvement rates of nasal obstruction, number of times they blew their nose, sneezing, and interference in daily life were 81.8%, 63.6%, 72.7%, and 72.7%, respectively. Eighteen patients considered that KTP laser surgery was effective, but 14 of 18 patients reported that the effective period was less than two years. Nine out of 22 patients reported more postoperative bleeding than they expected, and 12 of 22 patients claimed some concerns about the surgery preoperatively. We should try to prevent postoperative bleeding and preoperative anxiety of patients. Thus, KTP laser surgery is effective for pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis who are resistant to conservative treatment, but it does not have a long-term benefit. The questionnaire study was useful to achieve satisfactory results for patients.
