Eustachian Tube Function Assessment after Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction in Atopic and Non-Atopic Patients

Francesco Martines, Francesco Dispenza, Federico Sireci, Salvatore Gallina and Pietro Salvago
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Francesco Martines: Bi.N.D. Department, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Francesco Dispenza: Istituto Euromediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia—IEMEST, Via M. Miraglia 20, 90139 Palermo, Italy
Federico Sireci: ENT Department, A.O.U.P. Paolo Giaccone, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Salvatore Gallina: ENT Department, A.O.U.P. Paolo Giaccone, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Pietro Salvago: Bi.N.D. Department, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: (1) Background: Inferior turbinates’ hypertrophy is often associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD); radiofrequency turbinate reduction (RTR) may provide a long-term improvement of nasal obstruction and ETD-related symptoms. (2) Aim: The study aimed to compare ETD in atopic and non-atopic patients before and after RTR and to investigate the correlation between tympanometry and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7). (3) Methods: Ninety-seven patients, ranging from 33 to 68 years old, were screened by skin tests and divided into atopic (G1) and non-atopic (G2). Eustachian tube function (ETF) was evaluated through tympanometry, William’s test and ETDQ-7. (4) Results: A moderate to severe subjective ETDQ-7 was found in the 35.42% of G1 and in the 22.45% of G2 patients before RTR. William’s test resulted normal in 141 ears (72.68%), partially impaired in 15 (7.73%), and grossly impaired in 38 (19.59%) before surgery. A grossly ETD was evidenced in the 19.59% of cases before surgery and decreased to 6.18% after surgery with a significant difference among atopic patients ( p < 0.001). (5) Conclusion: RTR may be considered a treatment option in patients suffering from ETD and inferior turbinates’ hypertrophy; RTR reduced the percentage of grossly impaired ET function ( p < 0.001). ETDQ-7 and William’s test may represent valuable tools to assess ET function before and after surgery.

Keywords: eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD); chronic nasal obstruction; turbinate hypertrophy; ETDQ-7 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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