[Long term results of transseptal suture of the middle turbinate during sinus surgery]

Synechia formation between the middle turbinate (MT) and the lateral nasal wall is a common postoperative complication in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) often resulting in revision surgery. To keep the middle meatus open several procedures were described in order to medialise the MT. Long term results of these techniques are missing. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long term results of fixing the heads of the MT to the septum by a resorbable septal-turbinate-suture (STS).

17 patients were included in the retrospective study. All patients underwent ESS with STS because of chronic rhinosinusitis with (8) and without polyps (9). The median follow-up was 81 months (range, 36-105 months). In a total 34 nasal cavities were postoperatively examined by endoscopy. Additionally, rhinomanometry and olfaction test were performed.

The MT was found in a central position in between septum and lateral wall in 10 nasal cavities (30 % ), in a more medial position in 24 (70 % ) and none in a lateral position. Only 2 patients presented unilateral synechia to the lateral wall and one unilateral to the septum.

Synechia of the MT to the lateral nasal wall in ESS can be effectively avoided by a STS. The long term results showed that STS maintains the MT in a medial position with a free middle meatus without impairing the olfactory function.