Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of turbinate hypertrophy

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of turbinate hypertrophy in January 2004. In accordance with the Interventional Procedures Programme Process Guide, guidance on procedures with special arrangements are reviewed 3 years after publication and the procedure is reassessed if important new evidence is available.

The guidance was considered for reassessment in October 2009 and it was concluded that NICE will not be updating this guidance at this stage. However, if you believe there is new evidence which should warrant a review of our guidance, please contact us via the email address below.

Description

In the inside of each nostril there are bony projections called turbinates. Turbinates increase the surface area of the inside of the nose, improving its air-filtering functions. There are three turbinates (inferior, middle, and superior) on each side of the nose. Swelling of the inferior turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) can lead to blockage of nasal breathing (turbinate dysfunction).

Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy is an outpatient procedure in which a submuscosal scar is created by the use of a needle electrode inserted into soft tissue.

The procedure involves the injection of a local anaesthetic. A needle electrode is then placed into the anterior inferior turbinate where the radiofrequency energy is delivered by a power generator. There is a variation in the energy levels and temperatures used.

OPCS4.6 Code(s):

E04.2 Excision of turbinate of nose NEC

Includes: Reduction of turbinate of nose NEC

Y11.4 Radiofrequency controlled thermal destruction of organ NOC

_{The NHS Classifications Service of NHS Connecting for Health is the central definitive source for clinical coding guidance and determines the coding standards associated with the classifications (OPCS-4 and ICD-10) to be used across the NHS.   The NHS Classifications Service and NICE work collaboratively to ensure the most appropriate classification codes are provided.  www.connectingforhealth.co.uk/clinicalcoding}

Details

Contact details:

Links:

	IPG036 Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy: guidance (web format)	07 March 2011
	IPG036 Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy - guidance	28 January 2004
	IPG036 Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy - information for people considering the procedure, and for the public	28 January 2004
	IPG036 Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy, distribution list	28 January 2004
	Interventional procedures consultation document - radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy	21 October 2003
	Overview of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for turbinate hypertrophy	26 August 2003
	Consent - procedures for which the benefits and risks are uncertain	27 November 2003