Wedge Resection of the Middle Turbinate—An Adjunct to Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Abstract

A simple technique of wedge resection of the anterior part of the middle turbinate allows a better access to the Osteo meatal complex (OMC) during FESS procedure. In post-operative period it facilitates proper ethmoid cavity care, mandatory to the success of the endoscopic sinus surgery. The technique keeps the middle turbinate away from the lateral wall of the nose and helps reducing the synechia formations. It also exteriorises the apparent and occult pneumatised middle turbinate. It is a simple and safe procedure to perform with minimal trauma to the middle turbinate without complications attributable to the technique. During functional endoscopic sinus surgery this technique affords improved exposure to the OMC in patients with high deviated septum, narrow nasal vault, a large concha bullosa and paradoxical turbinate.