Current methods of
therapy of chronic vasomotor (non-
allergic) rhinitis are frequently unsuccessful. This led to the development of a standardized technique of intranasal
cryotherapy (longer freeze duration and larger area of
therapy than previously reported) which was utilized in 50 patients. Indications for
cryotherapy included: failure of medical
therapy in anatomically normal patients with mucosal disease caused only by
vasomotor rhinitis. Minimal follow-up was 2 years. Obstructive symptoms (subjective and objective evaluation) were eliminated in 92% and markedly improved in the remaining 8%. Excessive drainage (subjective) was relieved in 47%, markedly improved in 41%, and minimally improved (therapeutic failure) in 12%. Complications were minor; however, increased
postoperative pain, drainage and healing duration (compared to prior series) were encountered. This
cryotherapy technique provides significantly improved results in the treatment of
vasomotor rhinitis when proper patient selection and technique are utilized.