Long-term histologic effects of inferior turbinate laser surgery.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we sought to define the histologic changes produced by laser treatment of inferior turbinates.


METHODS
Eight inferior turbinates with prior laser treatment (mean, 26.8 months) were analyzed by light microscopy after turbinectomy for relief of refractory nasal obstruction. Histologic findings were compared with those of a group of 8 hypertrophic inferior turbinates that had no previous laser surgery.


RESULTS
Laser-treated areas of the inferior turbinates demonstrated a histologically bland appearance, with marked diminution of seromucinous glands and relative preponderance of connective tissue matrix. Prominence of venous sinusoids was also significantly reduced in the laser-treated areas. Surface epithelium including goblet cells was reconstituted over the areas of laser application.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical laser surgery of the inferior turbinate produces striking long-term histologic changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest a differential response of turbinate histologic components to application of laser energy, with the glandular component being particularly sensitive. Further correlative study is needed to clarify the clinical significance of laser-induced histologic changes in inferior turbinates.
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Meir General Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel. drwexler@netvision.net.il
D B
DB
Wexler
G
G
Berger
A
A
Derowe
D
D
Ophir
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013995:Time; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*