The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of
laser turbinectomy on local allergic
inflammation by measuring the secretion of mediators (
histamine,
bradykinin, and
TAME-esterase activity) in nasal lavage fluid after nasal provocation with different
allergen concentrations. Our study included 15 patients, aged 15-35 years, who displayed perennial housedust-mite
rhinitis (positive prick test, RAST class > 2, and positive nasal provocation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) extract) and hypertrophic inferior turbinates. Rhinomanometry (Rhino-test 441, Allergopharma, Germany) and nasal provocation with D.p. extract (Allergopharma, Germany) followed by lavage were performed in all patients. The procedure was repeated three and 12 months after Neodynium:
YAG laser turbinectomy. Three and 12 months after
laser turbinectomy, we found a significant improvement of nasal flow (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and resistance (p < 0.1 and p < 0.01, respectively) with a tendency towards airway blockage in the long-term follow-up, but no changes in mediator levels of nasal lavages after
allergen provocation, suggesting that
laser turbinectomy has no effects on local allergic
inflammation.