CO2 laser turbinectomies for chronic, obstructive rhinitis

A CO2 laser approach to partial inferior nasal turbinectomies for patients with severe, obstructive, chronic, perennial rhinitis that is refractory to nonsurgical therapeutic regimens is presented. CO2 laser vaporization of the anterior one fourth to one half of the inferior turbinate was done under topical and local anesthesia, as an office outpatient procedure. It does not require nasal packing. It allows the patient to return to his daily routine upon completion of the procedure. Along with these advantages, bleeding risks are decreased compared to conventional nasal turbinectomy techniques.