Relevance of turbinoplasty in rhinosurgery – a randomized controlled trial

Introduction:

Turbinoplasty is a commonly performed surgery in patients with nasal obstruction. In a prospective, controlled, randomized study, the significance of turbinoplasty in septal and septorhinoplasty was analyzed regarding patient satisfaction and rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry for the first time.

Methods:

73 patients with nasal obstruction due to septal deviation and/or a crooked nose were included in the study. Depending on the randomization, an anterior inferior turbinoplasty was performed additionally to septo- or septorhinoplasty. Endoscopy, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed pre- and postoperatively. Nasal discomfort and quality of life was assessed using the NOSE © and SNOT 20 questionnaire.

Results:

80% of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative nasal breathing. A significant improvement regarding the NOSE © and SNOT 20 questionnaire without relevant differences between the two groups was evident. Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry showed elevated levels in MCA1 and 2, Vol 1 and 2, and a higher nasal flow with no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Patient satisfaction after functional rhinosurgery is high and does not appear to be affected by anterior inferior turbinoplasty. There was no significant difference in the objective measurements of both study groups. Radical turbinoplasty has a negative impact on the physiology of the nose. Therefore, turbinoplasty should not be performed as a standard procedure in rhinosurgery, but be reserved for individual cases.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Fabian Sommer

HNO Universitätsklinik Ulm,

Frauensteige 12, 89075

Ulm

Email: [e-mail]

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)