Surgical reduction of the inferior turbinate in children: extended follow-up.

The effectiveness and safety of surgical reduction of the inferior turbinate was assessed in 22 children of 15 years and below. All were interviewed and assessed by means of a questionnaire seven to 51 months post-operatively. Sixty-eight per cent of the children reported a sustained improvement in their nasal airway. There were no significant post-operative complications in this series. In particular there were no cases of serious post-operative haemorrhage, excessive dryness or crusting of the nose. It is concluded that surgical reduction of the inferior turbinate is a safe and effective option in the treatment of children with severe nasal obstruction.