Inside the Brachycephalic Nose: Conchal Regrowth and Mucosal Contact Points After Laser-Assisted Turbinectomy

Abstract

This prospective observational study analyzed conchal regrowth after laser-assisted turbinectomy (LATE) in brachycephalic dogs and the mucosal contact of regrown conchae. Eighty brachycephalic dogs (41 pugs, 39 French bulldogs [FBs]) that underwent LATE because of obstructing conchae were evaluated by endoscopy 7 days and 6 mo after surgery. At 6 mo, 96% of FBs' and 65% of pugs' nasal cavities showed regrowth of turbinates. FBs showed higher growth grades than pugs. Revision surgery because of reobstructing regrowth was required in the nasal cavities of 17% of FBs and 3% of pugs. The mean number of contact points reduced from 3.0 in FB and 1.7 in pugs before surgery to 1.2 in FB and 0.2 in pugs after conchal regrowth. Recollapse of nares after surgery significantly influenced the frequency of reoccurrence of contact points. LATE was proven to be an effective treatment of intranasal obstruction caused by mucosal contact between conchae. Conchal regrowth commonly occurs after surgical removal, but the new conchae cause less obstruction due to a significant reduction in number of contact points. Revision surgery because of reobstruction is rarely necessary. The important physiologic functions of conchae make nonobstructing regrowth desirable.