Endoscopic potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser treatment for the reduction of hypertrophic inferior nasal turbinate.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the efficacy of using the KTP/532 laser in endoscopic inferior turbinate reduction surgery.


BACKGROUND
Potasium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser is a useful tool in endoscopic intranasal operations, due to its outstanding capabilities in hemostasis, tissue penetration, and the maneuverability of its flexible transmission optic fiber.


METHODS
A total of 124 patients (male/female 73:51, mean age 38.7 +/- 12.3 years) with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis who received endoscopic KTP/532 laser inferior turbinate reduction surgery (7 Watts, continuous mode, 0.6-1-mm spots) were available for follow-up (mean follow-up period, 25.1 +/- 7.3 months). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were interviewed with a questionnaire.


RESULTS
The KTP/532 laser was excellent in relieving nose obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy; 87% of patients reported improvement. The outcomes were less promising in reducing post-nasal drip; 12.9% reported only some improvement. Under intranasal endoscopy, the risk of postoperative bleeding and complication was low.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings proved that, with the use of an endoscope, the KTP/532 laser appears to be an excellent alternative for treating hypertrophic inferior turbinate.
Department of Otolaryngology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hsiang-Kuan
HK
Wang
Yao-Han
YH
Tsai
Yih-Yiing
YY
Wu
Pa-Chun
PC
Wang
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*