Comprehensive Assessment of the Functional Outcomes of Partial Turbinectomy: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Objectives The inferior and middle turbinates have crucial roles in nasal function, but their enlargement can cause obstructive effects, which can lead to breathing difficulties, sleep and smell disorders, and headaches. Partial turbinectomy is a common surgical technique used to address this issue during septorhinoplasty, but it carries risks such as empty nose syndrome. A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the functional outcomes of middle and inferior partial turbinectomy with a holistic approach.Methods Patients with NOSE questionnaire scores of 30 or higher, and grade 4 inferior turbinates and/or advanced middle concha bullosa were included. Patients completed questionnaires related to breathing, empty nose syndrome, headache, and olfaction preoperatively and at one-month, three-month, six-month, and first-year periods postoperatively. The partial excisions of the inferior and middle turbinates were carried out with serrated scissors while trying to preserve adequate turbinate size to maintain function.Results This study found that NOSE scores, headache frequency, and severity improved postoperatively. The olfactory-related quality of life of the patients with impairments in this area significantly improved found to be improved at all postoperative evaluations. None of the patients experienced prolonged bleeding requiring surgical intervention. No cases of anosmia and empty nose syndrome were reported.Conclusion Partial turbinectomy of middle and inferior turbinates during septorhinoplasty can alleviate symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy, such as breathing issues, olfactory disorders, and headaches. It is an easy, reliable, and efficient surgical maneuver. Proper technique can minimize the risk of empty nose syndrome and other complications of turbinectomy surgery.

Automated summary

Partial turbinectomy is an effective surgical technique to alleviate symptoms caused by enlarged inferior and middle turbinates. This study found that it can improve breathing difficulties, headaches, and olfactory disorders. Proper technique is important to minimize the risk of complications.