An audit of the early complications of turbinectomy

An audit of the complications of turbinectomy operations carried out in our unit between 1987 and 1988 indicated an unacceptably high rate of significant haemorrhage. In view of this the surgical technique was changed in an attempt to avoid damage to the main arterial supply of the turbinate. The haemorrhage rate has fallen, but we have had one case of severe nasal crusting, a complication not seen in the earlier series. The morbidity associated with complications of turbinectomy is severe enough for the operation to be reserved for patients with severe rhinitis unresponsive to other treatments.