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Long-term histologic effects of inferior turbinate laser surgery
D B Wexler1, G Berger, A Derowe
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Meir General Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel. drwexler@netvision.net.il
Objective:
In this study we sought to define the histologic changes produced by laser treatment of inferior turbinates.
Study Design:
Eight inferior turbinates with prior laser treatment (mean, 26.8 months) were analyzed by light microscopy after turbinectomy for relief of refractory nasal obstruction. Histologic findings were compared with those of a group of 8 hypertrophic inferior turbinates that had no previous laser surgery.
Results:
Laser-treated areas of the inferior turbinates demonstrated a histologically bland appearance, with marked diminution of seromucinous glands and relative preponderance of connective tissue matrix. Prominence of venous sinusoids was also significantly reduced in the laser-treated areas. Surface epithelium including goblet cells was reconstituted over the areas of laser application.
Conclusion:
Clinical laser surgery of the inferior turbinate produces striking long-term histologic changes.
Significance:
The data suggest a differential response of turbinate histologic components to application of laser energy, with the glandular component being particularly sensitive. Further correlative study is needed to clarify the clinical significance of laser-induced histologic changes in inferior turbinates.