Original Contribution
Surgical management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the office: Three mucosal sparing techniques

https://doi.org/10.1053/otot.2001.24771Get rights and content

In the management of nasal obstruction, identification and treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy remains an important consideration for long-term improvement of nasal breathing. New technological advances have offered application of innovative surgical modalities to the management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy in the office. We describe 3 progressively more aggressive approaches to reduction of the submucosal vascular stroma of the inferior turbinates that can be performed in the office. Using radiofrequency cautery, ionized field ablation, and the powered microdebrider, these procedures are easily performed, usually successful, and have a high level of patient satisfaction. Based on an assessment of the patient's specific needs, otolaryngologists can use these techniques to improve a patient's nasal breathing without the expense or bother of a trip to the operating room.

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