| Summary: | Introduction
Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is one of the major causes of nasal airway obstruction. Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is noted in around 20% of the population. Surgical reduction of the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is required when medical treatment fails. This study aimed to compare the Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores and complications of inferior turbinate reduction by turbinectomy and turbinoplasty.
Materials and Methods
In this prospective observational randomized controlled study, 30 patients underwent turbinectomy and 30 underwent turbinoplasty. Pre and postoperative NOSE scores and incidence of postoperative bleeding and crusting were compared at first week and six months.
Results
The mean preoperative NOSE score of turbinectomy group was 75.83 and that of turbinoplasty group was 76.83. Both the groups showed statistically significant improvement (p< 0.05) in NOSE score post-operatively. Functional outcome is achieved with turbinoplasty by sparing the nasal mucosa and submucosa along with retention of function bearing structures (inferior turbinate). Though not statistically significant, the incidence of post-operative bleeding and crusting were lower after turbinoplasty, in comparison to turbinectomy.
Conclusion
Inferior turbinoplasty provides excellent outcome in a wide variety of patients with minimal morbidity. Turbinoplasty is associated with lesser mucosal injury, post-operative bleeding and crusting, and excellent outcome in terms of symptomatic relief and functionality. Hence, we recommend that it can be done for the treatment of ITH.
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