Open AccessSubmucosal Resection of the Middle Turbinate
Author(s) -
French Christopher,
Goyal Parul
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451438a254
Subject(s) - medicine , meatus , surgery , turbinates , resection , middle ear , nose
Objective 1) Describe a new technique to improve access to the middle meatus in select endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) cases. 2) Describe the indications and outcomes of this technique. 3) Compare outcomes of this technique to those of conventional middle turbinate resection. Method Retrospective chart review, January 2007 to January 2012. Eleven subjects underwent submucosal resection of the middle turbinate during routine ESS. The indication was middle turbinate bony hypertrophy that prevented adequate middle meatal access. The technique involves elevating submucosal flaps along medial and lateral aspects of the middle turbinate. The prominent bone is then resected. Results Submucosal resection of the middle turbinate improved surgical access in all cases (11 patients, 13 turbinates). Follow‐up duration ranged from 1‐41 months (mean 10.4 months). Adequate middle meatal access was obtained intraoperatively in all cases. Postoperatively, the middle meatus remained patent in all patients. None of the patients experienced any complications. Conclusion This study describes a safe and effective technique for improving middle meatal access in ESS. Complications of conventional middle turbinate resection were not seen in our study. This technique allows for preservation of the majority of middle turbinate structure and function, avoiding risks associated with total or partial full‐thickness resection.