From the Research
Posterior nasal nerve cryoablation is a safe and effective procedure for treating chronic rhinitis, and the most recent evidence suggests that targeting the extensive innervation of the posterior nasal nerves at both the middle and inferior meatus locations can lead to significant improvement in symptoms. The procedure involves freezing the posterior nasal nerves using a handheld device inserted into the nasal cavity under local anesthesia, and it can be performed in an office setting with minimal side effects 1.
Procedure Details
- The treatment takes about 15-30 minutes, and patients typically experience immediate improvement in symptoms like runny nose, post-nasal drip, and congestion.
- Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours.
- Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including nasal pain, headache, and bleeding.
- The benefits typically last 9-12 months or longer, after which the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Mechanism of Action
- This treatment works by disrupting the parasympathetic nerve signals that trigger excessive mucus production while preserving normal nasal functions like sensing temperature and humidity.
- It's particularly useful for patients with vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or rhinitis of pregnancy who haven't responded adequately to intranasal steroids, antihistamines, or anticholinergic sprays like ipratropium bromide.
Key Findings
- A recent study published in 2024 found that a modified technique targeting the extensive innervation of the posterior nasal nerves at both the middle and inferior meatus locations led to a significant improvement in symptoms, with a response rate of 91.1% at 3 months 1.
- Another study published in 2020 found that cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve at the middle meatus was effective in treating chronic rhinitis, with significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life 2.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 found that posterior nasal nerve neurectomy, including cryoablation, was effective in improving Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) in adults with chronic rhinitis, although more research is needed to confirm these findings 3.