Comparison of Different Surgical Treatment Modalities for Nasal Obstruction Caused by Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Abstract

Background: Hypertrophied inferior turbinates considered the second most frequent contributor to nasal obstruction after septal defects. Various medical measures can be used to treat inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). After failure of medical methods, surgery becomes the cornerstone of management, which is still a controversial issue in the otorhinolaryngology field. Although these surgeries have been practiced for decades, no conclusion has been drawn about the best and optimal choice. Objectives: The objectives were to compare the results between submucosal diathermy (SMD) and partial inferior turbinectomy (PIT) in terms of postoperative bleeding, crusting, dry throat, voice change, postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, need for re-use of medications, and further need for nasal surgery. Subjects and Methods: A prospective observational study involving 100 patients with ITH. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A underwent SMD and Group B underwent PIT. Postoperative follow-up was done at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Results: At 1-week, nasal crusting, postnasal drip, and dry throat were reported more in SMD. At 1-month, nasal crusting and voice change were experienced more in PIT. At 6-month, nasal crusting and voice change occurred more in PIT. Nasal obstruction occurred more in SMD. Re-use of medications and further nasal surgery were more in SMD. Conclusion: SMD is less invasive with fewer complications regarding bleeding and crusting in comparison to PIT, but its effectiveness compared to PIT in re-use of medications and need for further nasal surgery is less.