There is no consensus on the role of surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). Should it be considered when nasal symptoms are not controlled by medical treatment? Various targets (turbinates and secretory nerves) and techniques (surgical, laser, cryotherapy, radiofrequency and phototherapy) have been reported, but benefit varies between reports. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate results of surgical and instrumental procedures in CR care.

Two systematic reviews of the US National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases were conducted in October 15, 2021 (registration numbers CRD42021284257 and CRD42021295227). A database watch was performed until submission of the manuscript. The review focuses on total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and quality of life (QoL) after treatment. All controlled studies reporting nasal surgery/instrumental procedures in adult patients with CR were included.

The database search yielded a total of 5628 articles; after eligibility screening, 2091 patients were included from 21 studies. QoL results favored surgery/instrumental procedures over medical treatment (SMD –1.27; 95% CI [–2.38; –0.16]; I²=97%), as did TNSS (SMD –1.40; 95% CI [–2.30; –0.50]; I²=98%). The small number of studies and their heterogeneity did not allow meta-regression to be performed.

This systematic review supports the use of surgical/instrumental procedures to improve nasal symptom score and QoL of adult patients with CR poorly controlled by medical treatment.