Incidence of frontal sinusitis following partial middle turbinectomy

The role of partial middle turbinate resection as an adjunct to endoscopic sinus surgery is controversial. Recent literature suggests that middle turbinate resection may have a detrimental effect on the frontal sinus. A retrospective analysis of 155 consecutive patients undergoing partial middle turbinate resection utilizing the technique of the senior author (J.A.D.) for either sinusitis or nasal obstruction was conducted. The data reveal a low rate of frontal sinusitis following partial middle turbinectomy (10%). None of the patients undergoing partial middle turbinectomy for nasal obstruction developed frontal sinusitis postoperatively. No major complications were encountered. Frontal sinusitis following middle turbinectomy was often associated with preoperative comorbidity such as asthma, nasal polyps, severe disease score on computed tomography, or diseased middle turbinates. The authors conclude that partial middle turbinectomy for treatment of sinusitis and nasal obstruction has a low incidence of postoperative frontal sinusitis. Development of frontal sinusitis may be predictable on the basis of several comorbid factors.