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

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Vidian-Branch Neurectomy in Intractable Allergic Rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

Intractable allergic rhinitis (iAR) remains a clinical challenge. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic selective vidian branch neurectomy for iAR.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective clinical study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center.

METHODS

A total of 205 iAR patients were initially recruited and divided into 3 groups: endoscopic vidian-branch neurectomy (EVBN), endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN), and conservative treatment (control). All patients were followed up for more than 2 years, and the efficacy and postoperative complications were compared.

RESULTS

After 2-year follow-up, a total of 195 patients were included, with 59 patients in EVBN group, 71 in EVN group, and 64 in control group. Post-treatment assessments at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years revealed significant reductions in the total Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores and each domain in both EVBN and EVN groups compared to their baseline levels. However, no significant changes were observed in control group. Furthermore, the improvements in RQLQ 2 years post-treatment were higher in EVBN and EVN groups compared to control group. In EVBN group, only 3 (5.1%) patients reported mild eye dryness during the first month postoperation. However, in the EVN group, 15 (21.1%) patients experienced eye dryness, with 6 (8.5%) cases persisting for more than 1 year and remaining unresolved by the end of the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Both EVBN and EVN were effective in iAR patients. However, EVBN appears to be a safer option, associated with fewer postoperative complications.

An Account of Roman Surgical Treatments for Ozena: Historical Review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze a first-century Roman account of surgery for ozena-a tetrad of nasal crusting, ulceration, bony involvement, and foul odor-with a focus on historical context, etymology, and surgical management.

DATA SOURCES

This historical review draws from the authors' translation of De Medicina. Primary sources detailing Roman surgical instruments from the House of the Surgeon in Pompeii, as well as secondary sources of surgical techniques, were utilized.

REVIEW METHODS

An in-depth review of Celsus' descriptions of surgical techniques for ozena was conducted using independent translation and exegetical analysis of primary sources. Archaeological findings were investigated to correlate surgical tools with the interventions described.

RESULTS

Proto-Indo-European and Classical interpretations of ozena revealed a unifying feature of malodor and a simultaneous relationship to nasal ulceration and suppurative lesions. Celsus detailed two procedures for ozena: closed cauterization using a heated probe and an open technique involving dissection, direct cauterization, and structural repair. These align with ancient Roman understanding of wound care and caustic applications. Three surgical instruments were identified for these procedures based on archaeological finds from the House of the Surgeon in Pompeii and other collections.

CONCLUSION

Celsus' ancient structural interventions for ozena demonstrate an advanced understanding of anatomy and a mastery of instrumentation. This study underscores the importance of the historical contextualization of ancient medical practices, providing a foundation for the treatments of nasal pathology still in use today.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

Use of nasal mucosal autonomic nerve response in efficacy evaluation of vidian neurectomy for allergic rhinitis: a prospective study

Objective

To evaluate the use of nasal mucosal autonomic nerve responses as an objective indicator for assessing the efficacy of vidian neurectomy (VN) in treating allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

Thirty-five patients with moderate to severe AR and 35 healthy controls were included. Autonomic nerve responses were measured before and 1 month after VN surgery, using respiratory stimulation on the nasal mucosa and the opisthenar area. Three waveform types (P-type, N-type and M-type) were identified.

Results

While three waveform types were identified in the nasal mucosa, only the M-type was observed in the opisthenar sympathetic skin response. Preoperative measurements showed higher autonomic responses in patients with AR compared with controls. Following VN, the responses in patients with AR decreased significantly, aligning closely with the control group. No significant changes were observed in the opisthenar responses, indicating a localised effect of VN. Comorbidities such as nasal polyps, sinusitis and deviated septum did not impact the results.

Conclusion

Nasal mucosal autonomic nerve response provides a reliable, objective measure for evaluating the effectiveness of VN in treating AR.

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

OBJECTIVE

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).

DATA SOURCES

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.

REVIEW METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

Additional neurectomy shows better efficacy in improving endoscopic findings and symptoms in patients with CRSwNP and appears to be a safe and effective treatment.

Efficacy of vidian neurectomy in treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps combined with allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of additional vidian neurectomy or posterior nasal neurectomy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and allergic rhinitis (AR), compared to the outcomes of conventional endoscopic sinus surgery alone.

METHODS

Up to May 2024, six databases were systematically searched. We evaluated studies that compared the clinical improvement of chronic sinusitis-related symptoms and endoscopic findings between the neurectomy group (endoscopic sinus surgery plus vidian neurectomy or posterior nasal neurectomy) and the control group (endoscopic sinus surgery only).

RESULTS

The neurectomy group showed a significant reduction in the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (SMD = -1.3163 [-1.6519; -0.9807]; I² = 53.3 %). However, this treatment did not have a significant effect on the Quality-of-life score (SMD = -0.1222 [-0.3427; 0.0983]; I² = 27.5 %) or patient-reported nasal symptom-related VAS scores (SMD = -1.6690 [-3.7062; 0.3682]; I² = 96.3 %). In the subgroup analyses of these results according to time points of measurement, the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score was statistically lower in the treatment group during treatment periods (postop 6months, 12months, and 24months). However, there were no statistically significant differences in Quality-of-life score and VAS between the treatment and control groups during all treatment periods. There was no significant difference in the recurrent rate of CRS during the following up periods (odds ratio=0.5263 [0.1518; 1.8254], I2 = NA) between two groups. Regarding the adverse effect of neurectomy, this additional procedure did not induce the postoperative bleeding (odds ratio=0.8886 [0.3411; 2.3150]; I2 = 0.0 %) and dry eye related discomfort (odds ratio=65.3560 [0.1044; 40,908.1619]; I2 = 88.9 %) significantly compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional neurectomy shows better efficacy in improving endoscopic findings and is safer in patients with CRSwNP combined with AR; however, more clinical studies are needed to evaluate its long-term symptomatic effects and disease recurrence.

Clinical Outcomes of a Modified Technique Combining Submucosal Turbinectomy and Extended Neural Targeting in Chronic Rhinitis Management

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study evaluated the outcomes of combining submucosal turbinectomy with extensive disruption of the pterygopalatine ganglionic efferent nerve fibers through a minimucosal incision in patients with intractable rhinitis, irrespective of their dependency on the posterior nasal nerve.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe an endoscopic extended neurectomy procedure performed via a minimucosal pocket. The primary outcome measures included the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and runny nose and nasal obstruction subdomains of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), which were assessed pre-procedure and at 3 and 6 months post-procedure. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of adverse events and medication dependency.

RESULTS

Six patients with rhinitis [66.7% female, 66.7% allergic rhinitis, average age: 48.17 (26-69) years] received treatment and completed a 6-month evaluation, with a mean follow-up period of 16.5 (8-30) months. The modified technique significantly reduced VAS scores from 8.67±1.21 to 0.50±0.55 (p=0.035) and TNSS from 8.83±2.40 to 1.17±0.75 (p=0.031) at three months compared to baseline. These effects were sustained at six months (p=0.0335 and p=0.0355, respectively). The severity and frequency of rhinorrhea and nasal congestion showed marked improvement, as assessed by the TNSS and SNOT-22. None of the patients experienced severe post-procedural adverse events, and all ceased medication use at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

Transturbinectomy extended neurectomy based on surgical dissection is a feasible technique and could be considered as a potential alternative to standard treatments for patients with intractable rhinitis.

Posterior nasal nerve surgical neurectomy versus ablation for chronic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

For chronic rhinitis (CR) refractory to medical management, several ablative procedures exist that target the posterior nasal nerve (PNN). Here we compare outcomes of PNN surgical neurectomy to in-office ablative procedures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with CR who trialed ipratropium at our center from 2013 to 2024 and received PNN ablation (cryoablation or radiofrequency) or neurectomy. We used the SNOT-22 questionnaire to assess outcomes, specifically evaluating the rhinologic subdomain: need to blow nose, sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, loss of smell, cough, post-nasal discharge, and thick nasal discharge.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 55 patients, 34 receiving PNN ablation and 26 receiving surgical neurectomy (9 receiving both). Mean follow-up time was 243 ± 353 days. Surgical neurectomy (18.6 ± 5.5 to 14.9 ± 5.9, p = 0.02) were associated with significant SNOT-22 rhinologic domain improvements, and neurectomy was associated with significant rhinorrhea improvement (3.4 ± 1.6 to 2.4 ± 1.7, p = 0.04). Surgical neurectomy was associated with a greater decrease in sneezing (p = 0.04) scores than ablation, although there were no significant differences in total or rhinologic subdomain SNOT-22 scores between ablation and neurectomy. No clear improvements were observed in patients undergoing a neurectomy following ablation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis did not reveal any predictors of post-procedure improvement.

CONCLUSION

Both surgical neurectomy and in-office ablation were associated with improvements in rhinologic symptoms for patients with CR, although neurectomy may have increased benefit for specific symptoms like sneezing. There is limited evidence that secondary procedure after an initial ablation is beneficial.

Two-Year Outcomes After Radiofrequency Neurolysis of Posterior Nasal Nerve in Chronic Rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), a minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis.

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm study of 129 patients at 16 centers (United States, Germany) was conducted. Patient-reported outcome measures were the 24-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). Postnasal drip and cough symptoms were assessed using a 4-point scale.

RESULTS

The mean pretreatment rTNSS was 7.8 (95% CI, 7.5-8.1). The significant rTNSS treatment effect at 3 months (-4.2 [95% CI, -4.6 to -3.8]; p < 0.001) was sustained through 2 years (-4.5 [95% CI, -5.0 to -3.9]; p < 0.001), a 57.7% improvement. At 2 years, the proportion of patients with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥30% improvement in rTNSS from baseline was 80.0% (95% CI, 71.4%-86.5%). Individual postnasal drip and cough symptom scores were significantly improved from baseline through 2 years. The proportion of patients who reached the MCID for the MiniRQLQ (≥0.4-point improvement) at 2 years was 77.4% (95% CI, 68.5%-84.3%). Of 81 patients using chronic rhinitis medications at baseline, 61.7% either stopped all medication use (28.4%) or stopped or decreased (33.3%) use of ≥1 medication class at 2 years. No device/procedure-related serious adverse events were reported throughout 2 years.

CONCLUSION

TCRF neurolysis of the PNN resulted in sustained improvements in chronic rhinitis symptom burden and quality of life through 2 years, accompanied by a substantial decrease in medication burden.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2077-2084, 2024.

Postnasal drip and chronic cough in patients with chronic rhinitis treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the contribution of postnasal drip (PND) and chronic cough (CC) to symptoms of patients with chronic rhinitis treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), and correlate PND and CC scores with components of the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS).

METHODS

Pooled data from three prospective studies: two single-arm studies and the index active treatment arm of a randomized controlled trial. Adult patients with baseline rTNSS ≥6 were treated with TCRF neurolysis at nonoverlapping regions of the PNN. PND and CC symptoms were evaluated on a 0 (none) to 3 (severe) scale.

RESULTS

Data from 228 patients (57.9% women, 42.1% men) were included. The mean baseline rTNSS was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8-8.3), which decreased to 3.2 (95% CI, 2.9-3.5) at 6 months. At baseline, 97.4% of patients had PND and 80.3% had CC. Median baseline PND and CC symptom scores were 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2-3) and 2 (IQR, 1-2), respectively. At 6 months, this decreased to 1 (IQR, 0-2) and 0 (IQR, 0-1), respectively, showing significant improvement from baseline (both p < 0.001). Spearman correlation coefficients with components of rTNSS (rhinorrhea, congestion, itching, sneezing) were 0.16 to 0.22 for CC and 0.19 to 0.46 for PND, indicating only a weak to moderate correlation.

CONCLUSION

PND and CC contribute to the symptomatology of chronic rhinitis and are significantly improved after TCRF neurolysis of the PNN. The inclusion of PND and CC symptoms in a chronic rhinitis assessment instrument could provide important additional information for the characterization of the disease state and outcomes after any therapeutic treatment.

Radiofrequency Neurolysis of the Posterior Nasal Nerve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) has been approved for use since 2020. This review synthesized the published data to assess its efficacy for treatment of chronic rhinitis.

DATA SOURCES

Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic search was conducted with no restrictions on publication years in April 2023. RCTs and prospective investigations that reported the reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS) outcome of radiofrequency neurolysis as a single procedure in chronic rhinitis patients were included. Pooled estimates for change in rTNSS from baseline at 3 months and responder rates (≥30% reduction in baseline rTNSS) at 3 and 6 months were obtained. Other outcomes, such as postnasal drip and cough scores, quality of life (QoL) measures, and adverse events were included for qualitative review.

RESULTS

Five studies were included in the systematic review, of which four were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 284 participants underwent treatment. The pooled change in rTNSS score at 3 months was -4.28 (95% CI, -5.10 to -3.46). The pooled responder rate at 3 months was 77.11% (95% CI, 68.21%-86.01%) and at 6 months 80.80% (95% CI, 70.85%-90.76%). Postnasal drip and cough scores and QoL also improved significantly at follow up. A total of 36 adverse events were reported in 21 (7.4%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this review suggest that temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the PNN is effective at treating chronic rhinitis symptoms and that it has an overall favorable safety profile. Laryngoscope, 134:507-516, 2024.

Comparative Effectiveness of Cryotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Multiple minimally invasive techniques for chronic rhinitis treatment focus on posterior nasal nerve ablation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation for alleviating symptoms in patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.

METHODS

We retrieved studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database up to July 2023. Data on the impact of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation on quality of life and symptom ratings of rhinitis were extracted and evaluated.

RESULTS

An analysis of 12 studies involving 788 patients demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and rhinitis-related symptoms (nasal obstruction, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing) in patients treated with cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (symptom score at 24 months and quality of life score at 3 months). However, radiofrequency ablation had a more positive effect on nasal symptoms after 3 months than cryotherapy. Nonallergic rhinitis patients responded more favorably to posterior nerve ablation than patients with allergic rhinitis. Both techniques enhanced disease-specific quality of life during the initial 3 months of treatment (cryotherapy, 84.6%; radiofrequency, 81.6%; P=0.564). After 3 months of treatment, a clinical improvement in all nasal symptoms (minimal clinically important difference in the total nasal symptom score: >1.0 points) was seen in 81.8% and 91.9% of patients who underwent cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (P=0.005), suggesting that radiofrequency is more likely to lead to clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Rhinitis-associated subjective symptom scores and quality of life may be improved by both cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Ablation was more efficacious than cryotherapy for nasal symptoms in patients with nonallergic rhinitis. To corroborate these findings, further randomized controlled studies directly comparing these two techniques are warranted.

Cadaveric analysis of autonomic nerve fiber density in posterior nasal, posterolateral nasal, and anterior ethmoid nerves

KEY POINTS

Autonomic nerve densities were equivalent in posterior nasal (PNN), posterolateral nasal (PLNN), and anterior ethmoid nerves (AEN). Rhinitis studies should explore the utility of PLNN and/or AEN transection over PNN alone.

Efficacy of Cryoablation on Chronic Rhinitis Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

ClariFix for posterior nasal nerve ablation has been approved for use since 2017, and this is the first study attempting to synthesize and assess the efficacy of this new device on the management of chronic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of ClariFix in the symptomatic management of patients with chronic rhinitis. The main outcome measure is the mean difference in the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS).

METHODS

A systematic search of Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost was conducted from inception to May 2022. Peer-reviewed clinical trials reporting postcryotherapy rTNSS at both 1- and 3-month intervals for patients with chronic rhinitis were included. A random-effects model was utilized for meta-analysis. Study heterogeneity, bias, and overall quality were all assessed. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The primary outcome measures included mean differences in rTNSS from baseline to both 1- and 3-month postoperative time points. Secondary measures included other questionnaires including the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ).

RESULTS

There were 5 studies that met the criteria (247 individuals). The pooled rTNSS mean difference from baseline to 1 and 3 months postoperatively was found to be -3.48 points (95% CI: -3.73 to -3.23, I² = 0.13). and -3.50 (95% CI: -3.71 to -3.29, I² = 0.00), respectively. The mean difference from baseline to 3 months postoperatively regarding the RQLQ was found to be -1.53 (95% CI: -1.74 to -1.31, I² = 0.00). The most common adverse effects included facial or surgical site pain (40.4%), followed by headache (18.2%), oral numbness (11.1%), and sinusitis (4.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this systematic review suggest that cryoablation with Clarifix is an effective treatment modality for chronic rhinitis. However, higher-quality randomized controlled trials will need to be performed to affirm the findings of this study.