INTRODUCTION: Techniques for inferior turbinate reduction vary from complete turbinectomy to limited cauterization. Surgical methods differ on the degree of tissue reduction and reliance on surgical tissue removal versus tissue ablation. METHOD: The technique and surgical steps of our preferred method of turbinate reduction are presented. RESULTS: Critical steps include proper design of the medial flap and removal of turbinate bone and lateral mucosa to allow lateral positioning of the medial flap. Bipolar cautery of the inferior turbinate artery branches allows complete haemostasis and undermining of the head allows proper debulking of the anterior aspect of the turbinate and widening of the nasal valve area. CONCLUSION: The medial flap inferior turbinoplasty provides consistent, robust results. Long-term relief of obstructive symptoms without additional risk of complication is expected with this procedure.
INTRODUCTION: Techniques for inferior turbinate reduction vary from complete turbinectomy to limited cauterization. Surgical methods differ on the degree of tissue reduction and reliance on surgical tissue removal versus tissue ablation. METHOD: The technique and surgical steps of our preferred method of turbinate reduction are presented. RESULTS: Critical steps include proper design of the medial flap and removal of turbinate bone and lateral mucosa to allow lateral positioning of the medial flap. Bipolar cautery of the inferior turbinate artery branches allows complete haemostasis and undermining of the head allows proper debulking of the anterior aspect of the turbinate and widening of the nasal valve area. CONCLUSION: The medial flap inferior turbinoplasty provides consistent, robust results. Long-term relief of obstructive symptoms without additional risk of complication is expected with this procedure.