Outcomes of microdebrider-assisted versus radiofrequency-assisted inferior turbinate reduction surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional randomised studies

Background: The microdebrider technique was introduced in clinical practice to provide a better outcome in nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique, by comparison with the radiofrequency-assisted modality. Methodology: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched to retrieve relevant randomised studies published prior to November 2019. Randomised Trials in English that studied the difference between the two techniques among adult patients were eligible for the current review. Data extraction and study inclusion were guided by PRISMA guidelines. The outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10) for nasal obstruction, anterior active rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. A meta-analysis was carried out to quantify the difference between the two techni- ques, for each measured outcome. Results: Seven randomised trials were included and quantitatively analysed in this meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that the microdebrider-assisted technique demonstrated significantly better VAS (0-10) for nasal obstruction scores in early and late posto- perative follow-up. Whilst no difference was noted using the objective measurements (rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry) at early follow-up, microdebrider-assisted technique showed superior results in long-term follow-up, as evidenced using anterior active rhinomanometry. Conclusions: The microdebrider-assisted technique results in a better outcome, particularly in long-term follow-up, when compa- red with radiofrequency.