Vasomotor rhinitis is a chronic non-allergic nasal disorder characterized by persistent nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and hyperreactivity of the nasal mucosa to nonspecific environmental stimuli. The condition significantly impairs patients’ quality of life and often demonstrates limited response to standard pharmacological therapy. In cases refractory to conservative management, surgical intervention aimed at inferior turbinate volume reduction is considered; however, there is no universal consensus regarding the optimal surgical technique that ensures long-term efficacy with minimal morbidity.

Objective: The aim of this study was to optimize the surgical management of vasomotor rhinitis by comparing clinical outcomes of conventional and minimally invasive inferior turbinate surgical techniques and by identifying effective treatment strategies based on individualized patient selection.

Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with vasomotor rhinitis who failed to respond to at least six months of medical treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical evaluation, negative allergy testing, and nasal endoscopy. Patients underwent inferior turbinate surgery using either conventional turbinate reduction or minimally invasive submucosal techniques designed to preserve mucosal integrity. Clinical efficacy was assessed using validated nasal symptom severity scores, objective nasal airflow measurements, and patient-reported quality-of-life questionnaires obtained preoperatively and at follow-up visits.

Results: Surgical intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, accompanied by marked improvement in nasal airflow and quality-of-life scores (p < 0.05). Both surgical approaches demonstrated clinical effectiveness; however, minimally invasive techniques were associated with reduced intraoperative bleeding, fewer postoperative complications, shorter recovery time, and higher patient satisfaction. Preservation of the nasal mucosa appeared to play a key role in maintaining physiological nasal function and minimizing postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion: Optimization of surgical management in vasomotor rhinitis through careful patient selection and preference for minimally invasive turbinate reduction techniques leads to superior clinical outcomes and improved quality of life. These approaches represent effective and safe surgical options for patients unresponsive to conservative therapy.

Vasomotor rhinitis; Inferior turbinate surgery; Minimally invasive techniques; Nasal obstruction; Quality of life

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