Long-term efficacy of turbinoplasty compared with medical treatment in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background The effectiveness of turbinate surgery has been proven in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Objectives This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of turbinoplasty in AR and to compare the results with those of medical treatment. Methods This study included 192 patients diagnosed with AR who underwent surgical or medical treatment. Medical records were reviewed to assess pre-treatment and 2-year post-treatment frequency and severity of AR symptoms, prescription frequency for AR medication, and satisfaction score for treatment. Parameters for 5-year post-treatment efficacy were acquired via a telephone survey. A total of 128 patients who had undergone turbinoplasty were defined as a 'turbinoplasty group,' and 64 patients who were treated only with medications were defined as a 'medication group'. Allergic symptom, medication, and satisfaction scores were compared. Results Patients in the turbinoplasty group demonstrated significant improvements in all allergic symptom scores, while those in the medication group showed significant symptom improvement only in nasal obstruction on long-term follow-up. Patients in the turbinoplasty group also showed a lower prescription frequency after treatment and higher subjective satisfaction scores than those in the medication group. Conclusions This long-term follow-up study demonstrated that turbinoplasty for AR appears to be an effective treatment option compared with medical therapy alone.