[Photocoagulation of the hypertrophic lower turbinates using ND:YAG laser: functional results]

The difficult nasal respiration due to hyperplastic hypertrophy of the turbinates is a broad topic of ongoing interest in otorhinolaryngology. The authors describe a study of 71 patients suffering from hyperplastic hypertrophy of the lower turbinates treated since 1994 by photocoagulation using a ND:YAG laser. The laser treatment was performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia and assisted by the use of an Endo-Video Closed-Circuit Video-Camera. The authors explain the details of the procedure used, emphasize surgical precision and the numerous advantages, the scarcity of intra- and post-operative side effects, the lack of post-operative nasal plugging. In addition, they present the satisfactory functional results achieved. The patients treated were followed up for 6 months prior to surgery and 30 months after laser photocoagulation. After surgery the following tests were performed: fibroscopy, objective symptom evaluation, rhinomanometry, rhinometry, muco-ciliary transport time (MCT), IgAS assay and turbinate biopsy. The low cost of performing this procedure is certainly a plus. The results obtained show a significant and permanent improvement in nasal ventilation and this was both referred by the patients themselves and could be objectively revealed by the ongoing controls. In conclusion, photocoagulation using a ND:YAG laser is well accepted by both physician and patient. It can improve nasal ventilation while respecting the anatomic and functional integrity of the nasal fossae.