Surgical correction of the congested nose is frequently attempted. In the absence of a septal deformity, engorgement of the inferior turbinate is usually held to be the culprit, and various procedures have been advocated to counter this problem. Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is widely practised, but relatively little has been published about it. 204 patients who underwent submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinates between 1977 and 1983 have been studied. 60 patients have been followed up by questionnaire, for periods ranging from 1 to 5 years since surgery. Surgery was of benefit in up to 72% of cases. Surgical technique and the problems of patient selection and assessment are discussed.