Total inferior turbinectomy for hypertrophied inferior turbinates: postoperative results in 135 patients

ABSTRACT

The surgical treatment of hypertrophied inferior turbinate remains controversial. A wide variety of surgical procedures have been performed with universally unsatisfactory results. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of total inferior turbinectomy in relieving nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophied inferior turbinates. The study was conducted at the Departments of Otolaryngology Combined Military Hospital Kharian and Peshawar, over a period of 5 years [January 1997 to December 2001]. Three hundred and twenty two patients suffering from chronic nasal obstruction due to enlarged inferior turbinates underwent total inferior turbinectomy. Out of these, 135 were followed for one year postoperatively and included in the study. Postoperative evaluation was done by formal questionnaire and clinical examination. One hundred and twenty eight patients described marked improvement in their nasal breathing, 4 had mild improvement, and 3 had no change. Three patients developed postoperative bleeding which was controlled by anterior nasal packing only. No blood transfusion was required. Asymptomatic adhesions were found in 8 patients and none developed atrophic rhinitis. We conclude that total inferior turbinectomy is safe and very effective in relieving chronic nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophied inferior turbinates and does not require expensive instrumentation