Current practices regarding middle turbinate resection among otolaryngologists

Resection of the middle turbinate (MT) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been a controversial topic among otolaryngologists for many years. Some studies advocate resection and have shown improved outcomes postoperatively, while studies favoring preservation show a decreased incidence of postoperative complications. The current practice pattern regarding this subject is unknown. The goal of this study was to learn the current practice of MT resection during ESS among otolaryngologists.

We performed an electronic anonymous survey of practicing otolaryngologists.

We found that the majority of the 252 responders stated that they will perform an MT resection in certain clinical situations, while there is a small subset that advocates never resecting the MT for inflammatory sinus disease (n = 6, 2.4%). Participants were significantly more likely to perform MT resection in patients undergoing revision compared to primary ESS for all conditions included. The complication of greatest concern among participants was iatrogenic frontal sinus obstruction, while empty nose was of the least concern. The majority of participants responded that MT resection was of extreme or moderate benefit for improved visualization and drug delivery postoperatively. When compared to general otolaryngologists, fellowship-trained rhinologists were less concerned about potential complications following MT resection and were more likely to perceive an extreme or moderate benefit from turbinate resection postoperatively.

There remains debate over MT resection among otolaryngologists, but the results of this study show that the majority of participating otolaryngologists will perform a resection in certain clinical situations.