Endoscopic Medial Flap Inferior Turbinoplasty versus Bipolar Electrocautery in Management of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Background: Turbinate reduction techniques should consistently minimize nasal obstruction without compromising mucosal function or increasing the risk of problems like crusting or bleeding.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of bipolar cauterization against medial flap inferior turbinoplasty in terms of pre- and post-operative outcomes and to assess the outcome of turbinate reduction and the effect on mucociliary clearance.
Patients and methods: This nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted on 24 patients with nasal obstruction, Group (1): included 12 patientsunderwent endoscopic medial flap inferior turbinoplasty. Group (2): included 12 patients underwent bipolar cauterization for reduction of the inferior turbinate.
Results: Operation time was significantly longer in group I (53.33±7.48 min) than Group II (32.08±4.50 min). Post-operative crusting and burning sensation were significantly better in group I compared to group II (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: One safe and effective method to reduce the size of the turbinates is with a medial flap inferior tuboplasty. There was little to no danger of complications after this technically simple operation, and patients reported lasting alleviation from their obstructive problems.