CO2 laser surgery of hypertrophied inferior turbinates

The inferior turbinates are responsible for nasal obstruction in patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. Until today there is no satisfactory means of treating hypertrophied turbinates. One hundred and eighty-four patients with nasal obstruction due to hypertrophied inferior turbinates were treated with the CO2 laser using the microscope and a micromanipulator. A few laser spots (1 W, 1 s, laser power density: 2,038 W/cm2) were applied to the head of the turbinate. After a few days a positive effect was present. One hundred and twelve patients were followed for over 2 years. Six months after laser surgery, 87.5% had excellent or good results. After one year, 82.1% of the patients were satisfied, and after 2 years 80.4% were satisfied. The procedure involves little bleeding, no pain and can be done under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. Less post-operative wound care is necessary. Therefore, the CO2 laser surgical technique can be considered as an effective method in the treatment of hyperthrophied turbinates.