Long-term results after laser turbinectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Different types of lasers have been used for reduction of hypertrophic inferior turbinates in recent years with good results. Reports about the long-term benefits of the laser treatment are rare.


METHODS
At the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kiel, from April 1987 to March 1997, 658 patients with nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophic inferior turbinates were treated with the CO2 or Nd:YAG laser. Of these patients, 118 were able to be followed for a period of 5 years.


RESULTS
After 5 years, 54 of 70 patients (77.1%) treated with the CO2 laser were satisfied. The success rate after Nd:YAG laser surgery was 64.6% (31/48 patients). Severe intra- or postoperative complications were not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the CO2 and Nd:YAG laser surgical techniques are suitable for the treatment of hypertrophic inferior turbinates. The main advantages are the decreased bleeding risk and the fact that the operation can be conducted as an outpatient procedure.
Lippert
B M
BM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kiel, Germany.
Werner
J A
JA
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D053685:Laser Therapy; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*