Medialization and stabilization of the middle turbinate using a nasal septal flap in endoscopic sinus surgery

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To propose a simple technique to preserve, medialize and stabilize the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using a nasal septal flap Methods: a. Study Design: Case series, surgical innovation b. Setting: Tertiary hospital (Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan) c. Participants, Patients or Population Six patients suffering from chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medication. The indication for doing this technique was unstable turbinates after removal of diseased mucosa. Results: Twelve weeks after surgery, the patients reported significant resolution of symptoms (headache, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip and loss of smell). CTand endoscopic findings likewise revealed clear ostio-meatal complex, drained sinuses, and complete removal of polypoid mucosa. No major side effects were noted. Conclusions: This technique is especially encouraged when surgeons encounter an unstable middle turbinate after removing massive pathologic mucosal lesions. This is a preliminary report and further investigations are being carried out to validate the technique. (Author)