Endoscopic turbinoplasty of concha bullosa: long term results

The aim of this study is to assess the long-term results of our endoscopic turbinoplasty technique for concha bullosa. Thirty-six patients of chronic or recurrent sinusitis who had concha bullosa on CT scan along with mucosal disease in sinuses and underwent turbinoplasty with functional endoscopic sinus surgery were studied. They were followed regularly with endoscopic examination for 7 years and were assessed for immediate or longterm complications of the procedure. Results of 36 patients revealed bilateral concha bullosa in 16 (44.4%) and unilateral concha bullosa in 20 (55.6%) patients. Out of 52 sides of turbinoplasties which were followed for average of 89 months, only 3 sides (5.76%) had synechia between middle turbinate and septum. Only 1 (1.92%) side had adhesions between lateral wall and middle turbinate. There were no other immediate or longterm complications. We conclude from our study that endoscopic turbinoplasty is safe and effective procedure for concha bullosa. It preserves middle turbinate anatomically and physiologically and treats the concha with negligible complications.