Original scientific paper
The effectiveness of diode laser in reduction of inferior turbinate
Hrvoje Mihalj
Andrijana Včeva
Željko Zubčić
Anamarija Šestan
Stjepan Grga Milanković
Tin Prpić
Ivan Abičić
Matej Rezo
Abstract
Introduction: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is refractory to conservative therapy is one of the most common problems in rhinology. Reduction of the inferior turbinate with a diode laser is a minimally invasive and safe method that can be performed under local anesthesia.
The aim of this study is to show the efficiency of diode laser in reduction of inferior turbinate based on symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, headache, hyposmia, and rhinomanometry findings before and after surgery.
Materials and Methods: A total of 62 patients were included in this study, who underwent diode laser turbinate reduction between November 2017 and December 2019. Patients were followed up after seven days and one month after surgery. Rhinomanometry was performed before and after surgery. Results: Nasal obstruction was present in all patients before surgery, nasal secretion in 50% of patients, headache in 22.5%, and hyposmia in 16.1% of patients before surgery. One month after surgery, 88% of patients no longer complained of nasal obstruction and 83.8% of nasal secretion. In 6.5% of patients the symptom of headache persisted and 4.8% of patients continued to complain of decreased sense of smell. Total nasal resistance was significantly lower after surgery (p <0.001). Synechiae were observed in one patient as a postoperative complication.
Conclusions: Reduction of inferior turbinate with diode laser is a safe, effective method with minimal complications and a short patient recovery period, and can be performed under local anesthesia.
Keywords
diode laser; inferior nasal turbinate; rhinomanometry
Hrčak ID:
244558
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2020.
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