Objective:To compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency thermal ablation with those of microdebrider- assisted turbinoplasty, we designed a prospective, randomized clinical study.Methods:Forty patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy were enrolled. Half of the patients were operated by radiofrequency thermal ablation, while the other half underwent microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty. The outcomes of both techniques were compared in terms of symptomatology, nasal patency, and mucociliary transport.Results:A statistically significant difference existed between the two groups with respect to nasal obstruction and the frequency of obstruction at the first post-operative week and first and third post-operative months (p