Prevalence of early complications of partial inferior turbinectomy

Abstract

Background: Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is an important cause of nasal obstruction & in many times cannot be relieved by medical treatment, & in this case, surgery is considered as the best option. Objective: To study the prevalence of early complications (the first two years) following partial inferior turbinectomy.Methods: 64 patients were clinically diagnosed with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis consulting us in Diwaniyah teaching hospital & my private clinic during the period between April 2006 & July 2008. All the cases of chronic hypertrophic rhinitis regardless of the cause submitted for partial inferior turbinectomy.Results: Out of total of 64 patients who underwent inferior partial turbinectomy; only one patient (1.56%) experienced postoperative hemorrhage, 31(48%) patients experienced crusting & dryness of the nose that improved with time, 3 patients (4.68%) had noticed a postnasal discharge & only 6 patients (9%) experienced synechiae in the first two weeks. No cases of atrophic rhinitis or foul nasal discharge had been detected.Conclusions: Partial removal of the inferior turbinate is an accepted surgical procedure for the relief of chronic nasal obstruction in case of failure of conservative treatment & using the appropriate technique can make it safer.