Laser-Assisted versus Coblation-Assisted Partial Turbinoplasty: Comparison by Their Postoperative Outcome

Background and Objectives:Conventional turbinoplasty and laser-assisted partial turbinoplasty (LAPT are commonly performed to control nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Coblation, one of radiofrequency electro- surgeries, has recently been introduced as a new treatment modality for turbinate surgery. The aim of the current study is to compare the postoperative outcome of Coblation-assisted partial turbinoplasty (CAPT with that of LAPT. Materials and Method:Forty-one patients with nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical therapy were prospectively evaluated with a follow-up period of 6 months. Twenty-one patients (42 sides were treated with LAPT, and 20 patients (39 sides with CAPT. Postoperative changes in degree of nasal obstruction, minimal cross-sectional area (MCA and nasal volume from the nostril to 5 cm posteriorly (V5, operation time, duration of crust formation, operation-associated pain, intraoperative bleeding and episodes of delayed bleeding were compared between the two surgical methods. Results: Crust was formed for a shorter postoperative period and operation-associated pain was less in the LAPT group. Nasal patency (MCA and V5 was more improved and operation time was shorter in the CAPT group. However, there were no significant differences in improvement of nasal obstruction and operation-associated bleeding between the two groups. Conclusion: Thorough knowledge of advantages and limitations of LAPT and CAPT is required for clinicians to make appropriate use of surgical tools for the given patient characteristics and medical environment. (Korean J Otolaryngol 2002;45:589-93