Carbon dioxide laser turbinate surgery for chronic obstructive rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Laser Surgery
• Rhinology

Background:

• Chronic obstructive rhinitis impacts nasal airflow.
• Various surgical lasers have been employed for inferior turbinotomy.
• The ideal laser for turbinate surgery remains a key consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the CO(2) laser for inferior turbinotomy.
• To determine the optimal laser modality for treating chronic obstructive rhinitis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a CO(2) laser (10.6 micrometer wavelength) delivered through a surgical microscope.
• Employed a self-retaining nasal speculum for enhanced surgical access.
• Performed inferior laser turbinotomy, creating a groove along the turbinate body.

Main Results:

• CO(2) laser effectively vaporized tissue, reduced turbinate bulk, and formed scar tissue.
• Significant improvement in nasal airflow and reduction in symptoms like rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and headache.
• Statistically significant reduction in total nasal airway resistance (NAR) observed at 2-year follow-up (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:

• CO(2) laser delivered via surgical microscope is a useful tool for turbinate surgery.
• This technique minimizes damage to surrounding mucosa and achieves excellent hemostasis.
• The procedure effectively restores nasal patency and alleviates associated symptoms.