Laser reduction of inferior turbinates in children.

Perennial nasal obstruction in children refractory to medical treatment may be managed by turbinate reduction. Turbinectomy may involve a risk of significant postoperative bleeding and requires nasal packing. Submucosal diathermy is followed by nasal congestion and crusting; recurrent nasal obstruction is frequent at fifteen months. This study assesses the benefits of carbon dioxide laser reduction of inferior turbinates in 20 children. Intraoperative blood loss was negligible and no nasal packing was required. There was minimal postoperative discomfort which required no analgesia. No postoperative haemorrhage was recorded. The children were able to drink and eat by 4 and 6 hours respectively. Relief of nasal obstruction occurred one to seven days postoperatively and was confirmed by rhinohygrometry. Nasal patency was maintained on eighteen to twenty-four months follow up. Mucosal healing was completed by four weeks. Mucosal saccharin clearances were normal postoperatively. We conclude laser turbinectomy is an excellent means of turbinate reduction in selected children.