Endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty.

Abstract Endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty with a microdebrider has been introduced as an alternative to other inferior turbinectomy techniques for the treatment of nasal airway obstruction. Between June 1994 and December 1997, 100 patients underwent endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty. Concurrent septoplasty was performed in 81 patients, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 43 patients. Synechiae formation in 12 patients was the most common complication and resolved in nearly all cases. Postoperative improvement in nasal patency occurred in 93% of the patients. In the 48 patients for whom preoperative subjective scores were available, a significant difference was noted when comparing preoperative and postoperative subjective and outcome scores of nasal patency ( P P = 0.0029), revealing the retention of the turbinate mucosa’s vasoactive capability. We conclude that endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty provides a good alternative to other inferior turbinectomy techniques and is associated with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:406-9.)