Posterior Nasal Neurectomy Research Articles

Effectiveness of Vidian Neurectomy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vidian neurectomy (VN) or posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) combined with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). A systematic search of six databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) was conducted to identify relevant studies up to May 2024. The effects of combining VN or PNN with ESS were evaluated in comparison to ESS alone. Outcomes were assessed by evaluating changes in Lund-Kennedy score, patient-reported symptom scores (VAS), quality of life, as well as adverse effects and recurrence rate of CRSwNP. A total of 6 studies, comprising 407 patients, were included in the analysis. The neurectomy group showed significant improvements in Lund-Kennedy score (SMD = 0.7276 [0.5695; 0.8857]), with statistically significant improvements maintained at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The treatment group maintained better improvements in sinusitis-related quality of life (SMD = 0.4540 [0.1784; 0.7297]) and VAS (SMD = 0.7096 [0.4356; 0.9837]) until 12 months postoperatively, but not at 24 months. Regarding adverse effects, additional neurectomy did not significantly induce epistaxis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9806 [0.2348; 4.0960]) or dry eye (OR = 2.4194 [0.1114; 52.5255]) compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was no difference in the recurrence rate of CRSwNP between the 2 groups during the follow-up periods. Additional neurectomy shows better efficacy in improving endoscopic findings and symptoms in patients with CRSwNP and appears to be a safe and effective treatment.

The neural regulation and impact of posterior nasal neurectomy on nasal ciliary motion in vivo in a murine allergic rhinitis model.

Posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) is a commonly employed surgical approach for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Due to its denervation effect on the nasal mucosa, PNN may potentially alter the motion and defensive capability of cilia. Previous research on the effects of neural regulation and denervation on cilia has been limited by the absence of a feasible in vivo evaluation method for assessing ciliary function. Utilizing a new system developed by our team for visualizing and analyzing ciliary motion in vivo, we analysed ciliary beat frequency and distance in vivo and histomorphological changes in a murine PNN and AR model. Ovalbumin, histamine and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine chloride, α receptor agonist and β receptor agonist) were applied to investigate the responsiveness and neural regulation of the nasal mucosa. Denervation resulting from PNN led to a reduction in nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) to 78% of the control, as well as diminished response towards allergens and histamine. Among neurotransmitters examined, α receptor agonists exhibited inhibitory effects on in vivo ciliary motion while acetylcholine and β receptor agonists demonstrated stimulatory effects. PNN did not affect the reactivity of in vivo cilia towards these neurotransmitters. PNN-induced denervation can reduce ciliary motion, potentially compromising the defensive capability of nasal mucosa. Neural regulation and the neurotransmitters involved have significant effect on ciliary motion.

Long-term effect of posterior nasal neurectomy for perennial allergic rhinitis.

Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with severe allergic rhinitis (AR) refractory to medical treatment. Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) is primarily performed to improve rhinorrhea in severe perennial AR, however studies on its long-term prognosis are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the long-term prognosis of PNN. A questionnaire survey was administered to 17 patients (12 men and 5 women) at least 1 year after PNN. Nasal symptoms and medications, as well as patient satisfaction with surgery at the time of survey, were scored. Furthermore, scores were compared between patients with postoperative periods of >5 years and <5 years. Nasal symptoms and medication scores significantly improved after surgery. There was no significant difference between patients with a postoperative period of >5 years and <5 years in both preoperative and postoperative nasal symptoms and medication scores. No correlation was found between patient satisfaction with surgery and postoperative period. PNN improved nasal symptoms and medication scores in patients with severe perennial AR. Furthermore, the study results suggest that the long-term effect of PNN for perennial AR lasts for >5 years. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 62-65, February, 2024.

Is posterior nasal neurectomy the definitive treatment for intractable allergic rhinitis: A prospective study

AbstractObjectivesAllergic rhinitis (AR) has a significant effect on the quality of life and accounts for unproductive times at work and school, causes disturbed sleep patterns and can lead to daytime somnolence. It is fairly prevalent in the world with medical management still being the mainstay of treatment. Patients suffer for a significant number of years before they undergo surgical management for their intractable rhinitis. Thus, this prospective observational study was conducted to reinforce the proficiency of posterior nasal neurectomy in being an effective method for ending this suffering.MethodsThirty patients with troublesome intractable rhinitis underwent posterior nasal neurectomy. Pre‐ and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores were compared to study the improvement in nasal and ocular symptoms. Each domain of these scores was studied separately.ResultsThe mean reduction in the VAS was from 6.76 ± 0.884 preoperatively to a mean of 5.33 ± 0.675 at 1 month, 3.81 ± 0.462 at 3 months and 2.53 ± 0.405 at 6 months postoperatively. The mean RQLQ score was reduced from preoperative 4.22 ± 1.091 to a mean of 3.82 ± 1.072 at 1 month, 3.55 ± 1.063 at 3 months and 3.18 ± 1.173 at 6 months postoperatively. Thus, a statistically significant improvement was seen in both mean VAS and RQLQ scores (P &lt; 0.001), and also when each domain was compared separately.ConclusionEndoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy may be an effective way of improving symptoms in patients with intractable AR and freeing them from long‐term medical regimes, thereby improving their quality of life.

Endoscopic vidian and vidian-branch neurectomy for refractory allergic rhinitis: A systematic review.

Endoscopic vidian neurectomy is expected to provide good therapeutic relief in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) being refractory to medication therapy or conservative surgery. However, the evidence bases for its benefit remain debatable. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the therapeutic role of various forms of vidian neurectomy in refractory AR. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used to conduct a systematic review of primary studies that reported original patient data for endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN) and vidian-branch neurectomy, which includes selective vidian neurectomy (SVN) and posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN). The primary outcome was patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), to assess an improvement in nasal symptom severity and quality of patient's life. The incidence of surgical complications and other objective outcomes were considered secondary outcomes. This review included 24 clinical studies involving 1677 patients with refractory AR, of which 510 patients in six studies had combined chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and 95 patients in one study had combined asthma. Postoperative PROMs were significantly better than preoperatively in almost all patients who underwent vidianp (RQLQ: standardized mean difference [SMD]=2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.40-2.92, p<0.001; VAS: SMD=5.15, 95% CI=4.29-6.02, p<0.001) or vidian-branch neurectomy (RQLQ in PNN: SMD=3.29, 95% CI=2.45-4.13, p<0.001; VAS in PNN: SMD=4.38, 95% CI=3.41-5.34, p<0.001), and were generally better than in the conservative treatment group. Dividing with 18 months as the cutoff point, a subgroup analysis of the follow-up period was conducted, and the results showed that both long-term and short-term postoperative patients had considerably reduced symptoms compared to the preoperative period. The two surgical procedures, SVN and PNN, attributed to vidian-branch neurectomy have extremely few complications. However, EVN is more likely to cause dry eyes and palatal numbness, with no other serious complications. In patients with AR and CRSwNP, vidian or selective vidian neurectomy combined with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is more effective than conventional FESS (RQLQ: SMD=2.17, 95% CI=1.66-2.69, p<0.001; VAS: SMD=6.42, 95% CI=4.78-8.06, p<0.001). For patients who have both AR and asthma, SVN with pharyngeal branch excision is a potential treatment option. EVN and vidian-branch neurectomy (including SVN and PNN) are effective treatments, but the former has a higher risk of complications. Additionally, vidian-branch neurectomy with FESS is beneficial for patients with mixed CRSwNP. SVN is a potential approach for patients with coexisting AR and asthma.

A Novel Approach to Posterior Lateral Nasal Neurectomy.

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a major health concern throughout the world. By severing the parasympathetic supply to the lateral wall of the nose, posterior lateral nasal neurectomy (PLNN), a form of highly selective vidian neurectomy, decreases nasal allergy symptoms. This study attempts to characterize the demographic and surgical characteristics of study participants in relation to PLNN, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with these characteristics. Methodology A five-year, cross-sectional study was undertaken among patients diagnosed with AR at a tertiary care center in Tamaka, Kolar. Case sheets accessible in the department of medical records were used to compile a list of 50 study patients. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The study revealed that the average age of the sample population was 30.4 years. The majority of the study participants were less than or equal to 30 years old (54%). In our study, the majority of the participants were male (60%). This study revealed that around 46% of the surgeries were independent PLNNs and that most of them (76%) were observed to have four nerves following surgery. The average intraoperative blood loss during PLNN surgery was 43.14 mL. The mean hemoglobin levels before and after surgery were 13.11 and 12.78 g/dL, respectively. The average duration of the surgical procedure was 62 minutes. The average duration of PLNN surgery in females was 52.75 minutes, whereas the average duration in males was 68.33 minutes. According to an independent t-test (p = 0.045), this difference in mean was statistically significant. Approximately 85% of female study participants were identified with four nerves during PLNN surgery compared to 70% of male study participants. According to the chi-square test (p = 0.018), this proportional difference was statistically significant. Conclusions The majority of the participants in this study were male and younger. The typical PLNN surgical procedure lasted one hour. Males and females require different amounts of time, with females requiring less time. During PLNN surgery, most females detected four nerves, as opposed to most males.

Evaluation of the efficacy of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy with pharyngeal neurectomy of allergic rhinitis combined with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Objective:To investigate the effect of posterior nasal neurectomy（PNN） with pharyngeal neurectomy （PN） on chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps （CRSwNP）complicated with perennial allergic rhinitis （PAR）. Methods:83 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis combined with chronic group-wide sinusitis with nasal polyps who attended our hospital from July 2020 to July 2021 were selected. All patients underwent conventional functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery（FESS）+ nasal polypectomy. Patients were divided according to whether they underwent PNN+PN. 38 cases in the experimental group underwent FESS combined with PNN+PN; 44 cases in the control group underwent conventional FESS alone. All patients underwent the VAS, RQLQ, and MLK before treatment, and at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Meanwhile, other relevant data were collected and the preoperative and postoperative follow-up data were collected and analyzed to assess the differences between the two groups. Results:The total postoperative follow-up period was 1 year. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps at 1 year postoperatively and the nasal congestion VAS score at 6 months postoperatively were not statistically significant in the two groups（P>0.05）. However, the patients in the experimental group had statistically significantly lower effusion and sneezing VAS scores, MLK endoscopy scores and RQLQ scores at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, and nasal congestion VAS scores at 1 year postoperatively compared to the control group（P<0.05）. Conclusion:For patients with perennial AR complicated with CRSwNP, the combination of the PNN+PN in FESS can significantly improve the short-term curative effect, and PNN+PN is a safe and effective surgical treatment.

Efficacy of various surgical methods in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A network meta-analysis.

We often use surgery to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) patients who have failed drug treatment, but there is currently no clear gold standard for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Using network meta-analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of different surgical methods in the treatment of AR. PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, Wan Fang Data, and CNKI databases were searched to collect clinical randomized controlled trials of AR with different surgical methods that met the inclusion criteria. After two investigators independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, R software was used to evaluate inconsistency using the node splitting method, and Stata15.1 was used to estimate the ranking probability of treatment. A total of 47 randomized control studies involving 17 surgical schemes and 4144 participants were included. The results showed that after excluding surgical methods that did not form a closed loop, in AR patients without chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, surgical efficiency and symptom score ranked the same, which were posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN), Vidian neurectomy (VN), anterior ethmoid neurectomy (AEN), nasal septal reconstruction (NSR), and bilateral inferior turbinoplasty (BIT). In AR patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, the effective rate (OR = 5.06; 95% CI = 2.75-9.32) and symptom and sign scores (MD = -3.80; 95% CI = -6.50-1.09) of PNN + FESS (functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery) were higher than FESS, and there was a significant difference. Our findings suggest that PNN is the best single operation for patients with AR and without chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, and the combination of multiple procedures may be better than a single operation. FESS + PNN is more effectual in AR patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Submucosal Turbinectomy with Posterior Nasal Neurectomy as Day Surgery under Local Anesthesia

通年性アレルギー性鼻炎に対する粘膜下下鼻甲介骨切除術・後鼻神経末梢枝切断術の長期成績, 合併症, 安全性を評価し, 本術式の有効性および日帰り局所麻酔下で行うことが可能かを検討した. 本術式を施行し3～16年経過した101例のアンケートによる回答では, くしゃみ79%, 鼻汁83%, 鼻閉97%, 日常生活の支障度89%の有効率であり75%の症例に効果の持続性を認めた. 術後出血の頻度は0.6%と少なく, 過去2年ではシアノアクリレート注入酸化セルロースの留置により出血例は認めていない. 長期合併症でも日常生活に支障を来すような重篤なものは認めなかった. 局所麻酔下においても術中疼痛は軽度で, 術中出血は少なく, 手術時間も短く, 粘膜下下鼻甲介骨切除術・後鼻神経末梢枝切断術は局所麻酔下の日帰り手術で施行し得ると考えられた.

Effect of Endoscopic Posterior Nasal Neurectomy on Laryngectomy-associated Rhinorrhea: A Feasibility Study.

Refractory rhinorrhea is common after total laryngectomy (TL). Because botulinum toxin injection and ipratropium bromide nasal spray have shown success in it, suggesting a hyperactive parasympathetic tone may play a role. Therefore, we sought to evaluate whether endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy (ePNN) to include more nasal secretomotor fibers is a treatment option for laryngectomy-associated rhinorrhea. Laryngectomized patients with persistent rhinorrhea who underwent ePNN at both the middle and inferior meatus were enrolled. We evaluated the changes in 2-week Total Nasal Symptoms Score (TNSS) and rhinorrhea subscore over 6 and 12 months post ePNN treatment, as well as self-rated rhinorrhea using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at pretreatment and 12 months post-treatment. Adverse events, post-procedure medication reliance, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Five males (mean age, 62.4 years) with elapsed time from TL of 97.56±89.91 months were identified. ePNN significantly improved the average rhinorrhea subscore of TNSS at six months (p=0.037, Wilcoxon sign-rank test) and twelve months (p=0.047) compared to baseline. There were marginally significant improvements between baseline and at 12 months for overall TNSS (6.60±2.30 to 2.00±1.22, p=0.056) and VAS for rhinorrhea (7.80±0.84 to 2.00±1.58, p=0.062). No adverse event was reported, and four patients had excellent outcomes. Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy is a safe and efficient alternative treatment for laryngectomy-associated rhinorrhea, with lasting improvement over one year. However, a large-scale study with more comprehensive measurements is needed to verify its long-term efficacy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing in-office posterior nasal nerve ablation to surgical therapies

BackgroundRecently, in-office posterior nasal nerve ablation (PNA) devices have offered a new tool to treat refractory chronic rhinitis, but their cost-effectiveness relative to traditional interventions such as vidian neurectomy (VN) and posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) remains unexplored. ObjectiveTo compare the cost-effectiveness of these interventions in patients with refractory chronic rhinitis. MethodsA decision tree with embedded Markov models was created to compare the cost-effectiveness of PNN, VN, and PNA, measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 30-year time horizon with a $100,000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were completed. ResultsSensitivity analysis found that in-office PNA became cost-effective compared to VN when patients undergoing PNA were less than 20 % more likely than VN to have symptoms recur; this value was assumed to be twice as likely in the base case. In the base case, however, VN and in-office PNA were more effective and less expensive than PNN, while VN was cost-effective when compared to in-office PNA (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $11,616.24/QALY). Other assumptions were not found to considerably impact incremental cost-effectiveness. ConclusionAlthough highly limited by currently available data, PNA may be cost-effective compared to VN as long-term outcomes on the durability of its effects emerge. These data should not be used by payers considering coverage or utilization since long-term data is still nascent. However, that as new technologies emerge for rhinitis, it will be important to monitor longer-term outcomes to identify high value care, but based on limited data PNA devices may meet this standard.

Efficacy of Vidian Neurectomy and Posterior Nasal Neurectomy in the Management of Nonallergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review.

Nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) is characterized by rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing, in the absence of systemic sensitization to allergens. For cases refractory to medical therapy and conservative surgical interventions, more targeted procedures, such as endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN) and posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN), including surgical (SPNN) and cryoablative (CPNN) methods, may reduce symptoms of NAR. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, side effect profile, and complication rate between EVN and PNN for NAR. A systematic review of primary articles that reported original patient data for either EVN or PNN was conducted using Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane databases since 2006, according to PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome of the study was an improvement in NAR symptom severity. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative side effects or complications. In total, 58 articles met the search criteria with a total of 9 studies (including 2 RCTs) eligible for inclusion. There was a pooled sample of 229 NAR patients that underwent EVN (n = 65; 28.4%), SPNN (n = 50; 21.8%), or CPNN (n = 114; 49.8%). For all 3 techniques, there was a statistically significant improvement in nasal symptoms, particularly rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and obstruction along with quality of life. Heterogeneity in outcome reporting prevented meta-analysis and direct comparison of efficacy. The pooled incidence of postoperative complications for EVN (n = 65), SPNN (n = 50), and CPNN (n = 70) was 30.8% versus 0% versus 2.9% for dry eye, 16.9% versus 0% versus 1.4% for palatal/cheek numbness, and 0% versus 6% versus 4.3% for bleeding. EVN, SPNN, and CPNN are similarly efficacious for patients with NAR refractory to medical management. SPNN and CPNN are associated with lower rates of complications (dry eye and palatal/cheek numbness) compared with EVN.

The anatomy of the foramina and efferent nerve fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion in posterolateral nasal wall.

BackgroundThe advance of endoscopic surgery has enabled selective section of the postganglionic nerve branches from pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) as a modification of the vidian neurectomy. Recent microanatomic studies have suggested that the nasal mucosa is also innervated by multiple efferent rami associated with the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) in the procedure “posterior nasal neurectomy.” This anatomic cadaveric study aims to identify all postganglionic nerve fibers in the lateral nasal wall which should inform future surgical procedures aimed at interrupting these nerve fibers.MethodsTwo cadaver heads, with a total of three individual sides, were dissected. All neurovascular structures penetrating the vertical plate of palatine bone were carefully identified following meticulous removal of the overlying mucosa layers. The efferent nerve fibers were identified and dissected back to their origin—the PPG or greater palatine nerve.ResultsSeveral foramina with efferent PPG nerves were identified on the vertical plate of the palatine bone and medial pterygoid plate. The superior, middle, and inferior turbinates (IT) were innervated by efferent nerves from the PPG via the anterior region of the SPA. The IT was innervated from nerves originating from behind the SPA through bony foramina. The lateral wall of inferior meatus was innervated by efferent nerves that originated from greater palatine nerve and pharyngeal nerve.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the anatomical positions of the postganglionic nerves that innervate the lateral nasal wall. These nerves are located anterior to the SPA as well as posterior to the SPA, where they penetrate the palatine bone.Level of evidence: NA.

Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: anatomy and analysis of clinical efficacy

Objective: To propose total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle from anatomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and to explore its clinical application. Methods: Two fresh cadaveric heads (4 sides) were dissected through endoscopic transnasal middle meatus approach at Otorhinolaryngology Anatomy Laboratory of China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The structures of the craniofacial bone related to the surgical approach were observed. Twelve patients with allergic rhinitis who treated in Department of Otorhinolaryngology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital from Feb. 1 2019 to Jun. 10 2021 were selected. All the patients were treated by posterior nasal neurotomy with the technique of complete transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle and followed up for 1 year after sugery. During the follow-up, 2 patients were lost. The other 10 patients included 4 males and 6 females, aging from 29 to 69 years. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) were used to evaluate the effect of the surgery. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Important anatomic landmarks of transnasal middle meatus approach were obtained during anatomy, such as ethmoid crest, sphenopalatine foramen/notch, palatine orbital process and sphenopalatine process. The postoperative VAS scores of nose, eye, pharynx, ear and whole body and total VAS scores were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (nose 2.50±1.70 vs 6.47±2.17, eyes 1.15±0.89 vs 3.60±2.57, pharynx 1.30±1.36 vs 4.25±3.64, ear 1.10±1.03 vs 2.67±2.00, whole body 1.08±1.24 vs 3.60±1.17, total 7.13±4.31 vs 20.58±9.05, all P<0.05). The postoperative RQLQ scores of sleep, nose, eyes, practical problems, emotion, activity and the total RQLQ scores of patients were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (sleep 0.80±0.69 vs 2.93±1.33, nose 1.38±1.18 vs 3.93±1.50, eyes 0.58±0.66 vs 1.80±1.25, practical problems 1.10±1.22 vs 3.03±1.84, emotion 1.00±1.81 vs 2.58±2.00, activity 2.77±2.93 vs 6.00±1.85, total 8.99±8.92 vs 22.42±8.69, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative scores of non-nasal/ocular symptoms (1.37±1.60 vs 2.16±1.12, P=0.166). There was no other complication except 2 cases with short-term postoperative numbness. Conclusions: Total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle is a safe, effective and feasible method for the treatment of intractable allergic rhinitis, and its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

Effects of Surgical Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis on Sleep and Mental Health in Adolescents

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that is usually treated medically. Adolescents form a unique population in which AR-associated symptoms are greater than those in adults or children, and are closely related to sleep and mental disorders. In the current study, a retrospective analysis was performed to illustrate the surgical effects of AR symptoms on sleep and mental disorders in adolescents. In 81 adolescents with AR symptoms refractory to medical management, the severity of the AR symptoms was correlated with that of sleep or mental disorders. As a standard surgical procedure, submucosal bony resection of inferior turbinates with posterior nasal neurectomy was performed and half of the subjects underwent septoplasty due to severe deviation of the nasal septum. The degree of improvement in AR-associated symptoms by surgical treatment was correlated with that of mental disorders in adolescent patients who had sleep and mental disorders preoperatively. Considering the impact of AR symptoms on the quality of life of adolescents, surgical treatment can be a potent option for the treatment of AR refractory to medical management in this population.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Posterior Nasal Neurectomy in Treating Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objectives: Recent guidelines have revealed that eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) exhibits a strong tendency for recurrence after surgery and impairs quality of life. Neuropeptides play an important neuroimmunological role. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) for the treatment of ECRS by inhibiting type 2 cytokine expression. Methods: Forty-six patients were divided into group A and group B according to a random number table. Group A underwent conventional functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery (FESS) combined with PNN, and group B underwent conventional FESS alone. The subjective and objective symptoms included a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score, nasal speculum Lund-Kennedy score, and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) Lund-Mackay score at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: Postoperative VAS (10.33 ± 2.18 vs. 8.38 ± 2.11, p < 0.01) and Lund-Kennedy score (1.95 ± 1.32 vs. 3.14 ± 1.35, p < 0.01) were significantly improved. The rhinorrhea score (1.76 ± 0.83 vs. 2.90 ± 1.14, p < 0.001) in the VAS and the discharge (0.43 ± 0.51, vs. 0.95 ± 0.67, p < 0.01) and edema (0.57 ± 0.60 vs. 0.95 ± 0.59, p < 0.05) scores in the Lund-Kennedy score were observed to have improved significantly in group A compared with those in group B. Conclusions: FESS combined with PNN suppresses edema symptoms, which might significantly decrease the surgical recurrence rate of ECRS in the long term.

A Comparative Study of Symptom Scores in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lateral Nasal Neurectomy with Medical Management for Allergic Rhinitis.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-02930-0.

Underwater posterior nasal neurectomy compared to resection of peripheral branches of posterior nerve in severe allergic rhinitis

Background Several surgical procedures for posterior nasal neurectomy have been reported, but no conclusion has been reached about which procedure is best. Objectives The aim is to evaluate the improvement in symptom medication scores for resection of the posterior nasal nerve trunk in an underwater environment, with submucous inferior turbinectomy, without injuring the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) in severe allergic rhinitis. Material and Methods Improvements in symptom medication scores were retrospectively compared between 27 consecutive cases who underwent resection of the posterior nasal nerve trunk with turbinoplasty in an underwater environment without injuring the SPA (Underwater group) and, as a historical control, 16 consecutive cases who underwent resection of peripheral branches of the posterior nasal nerve with turbinoplasty (Control group). Results The improvements in symptom medication scores in the Underwater group were significantly better than in the Control group (3.07 vs. 1.96, p = 0.02). Conclusions and significance By using underwater posterior nasal neurectomy, we can easily and safely resect the posterior nasal nerve trunk under a clear surgical view without injuring the SPA. This technique with submucous inferior turbinectomy may, more than resection of peripheral branches of the posterior nasal nerve, be able to reduce the medication score and symptom medication score.

Posterior Nasal Nerve Resection-A Novel and Effective Way to Surgically Treat Refractory Allergic and Vasomotor Rhinitis.

This study focused on outcomes of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy and turbinate reduction with regard to the common symptoms of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. This randomized experimental study conducted between December 2018 to November 2020 included 60 patients, aged 18-50 years with allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with/ without deviated nasal septum of grade 3 and 4, not responding to conservative management. Patients were divided into two groups. 30 patients were operated for Posterior nasal nerve resection and 30 patients underwent turbinate reduction. SNOT 22 (Sino-nasal outcome test) questionnaire was given to every patient and they were asked four major symptoms of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing and post nasal discharge and were told to rate their symptom in 1 to 5 severity scale before surgery and in postoperative follow up. Mean ± SD(standard deviation) of percentage change in SNOT 22 score in Posterior Nasal Nerve resection was 88.09 ± 4.38 which was significantly higher than turbinate reduction (82.95 ± 5.33) (p value = 0.0001). Distribution of post-operative complications was comparable in turbinate reduction and Posterior Nasal Nerve resection (Both synechia and crusting:10 versus 6.67% respectively) (p value = 1). No patient had bleeding in both groups. Though skill demand is high, posterior nasal neurectomy is highly safe and effective, as there was no bleeding post-operatively in spite of handling the sphenopalatine artery. Symptom relief with this surgery was 88.09% which was significantly higher as compared to submucosal resection of inferior turbinate with microdebrider (82.95%).

The long-term outcomes of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in patients with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAllergic rhinitis is a form of IgE mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to specific allergens, resulting in typical symptoms. ObjectivesThis study was designed with the primary goal of comparing the clinical efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe perennial allergic rhinitis. Secondary study aims included a comparison of the severity of comorbidities, including chronic cough and asthma, between patients in these two surgical treatment groups. MethodsA total of 52 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either the control group (posterior nasal neurectomy) or the experimental group (posterior nasal neurectomy + pharyngeal neurectomy). The visual analog scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire were used to compare the differences in patient symptoms between baseline and 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment. In addition, patient cough and asthma symptoms were monitored during follow-up via visual analog scale and asthma control test respectively. ResultsNo significant differences in preoperative scores were evident between groups (p > 0.05). At 6-months post-treatment, there were significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and asthma control test scores relative to baseline values in experimental group and control group patients (p < 0.05), and this remained true upon 12- and 24-month follow-up. No significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, or asthma control test scores were observed between the two treatment groups at any postoperative follow-up time point (p > 0.05), while coughing severity was found to be significantly reduced in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusionposterior nasal neurectomy can be safely implemented with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in order to effectively treat allergic rhinitis. Combined posterior nasal neurectomy and pharyngeal neurectomy treatment may offer greater value than posterior nasal neurectomy alone for the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients with chronic cough.