Inferior turbinate debriding technique: Ten-year results

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes (10 years) of the submucous stroma debriding technique (SSD) in nonallergic chronic hyperthrophy of the inferior turbinates (N/A-ChITOHD).

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: From June 1994 to October 1996, a group of 350 nonallergic patients with chronic obstructive hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates were followed-up after SSD and compared with a group of 323 normal patients. None of them exhibited obstructive septal deviation or sinus disease. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were obtained from visual analog scale graded questionnaire, endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, and mucociliary saccharin transit time. End results were obtained at 6 months, 1, 5, and 10 years intervals. Biopsies from 35 volunteer SSD patients were obtained.

RESULTS: Symptom-free patients were observed in 91.3%, partial symptoms in 5.2%; 3.5% of the patients had recurrence of nasal obstruction 10 years postoperatively. Endoscopy, anterior rhinometry, and mucociliary transit time revealed long-term improvements. Few complications were observed.

CONCLUSION: SSD has long-lasting effects and it is the only sparing ciliated epithelium technique.