Abstract
Objective: 1) Describe a new technique to improve access to the middle meatus in select endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) cases. 2) Describe the indications and outcomes of this technique. 3) Compare outcomes of this technique to those of conventional middle turbinate resection.
Method: Retrospective chart review, January 2007 to January 2012. Eleven subjects underwent submucosal resection of the middle turbinate during routine ESS. The indication was middle turbinate bony hypertrophy that prevented adequate middle meatal access. The technique involves elevating submucosal flaps along medial and lateral aspects of the middle turbinate. The prominent bone is then resected.
Results: Submucosal resection of the middle turbinate improved surgical access in all cases (11 patients, 13 turbinates). Follow-up duration ranged from 1-41 months (mean 10.4 months). Adequate middle meatal access was obtained intraoperatively in all cases. Postoperatively, the middle meatus remained patent in all patients. None of the patients experienced any complications.
Conclusion: This study describes a safe and effective technique for improving middle meatal access in ESS. Complications of conventional middle turbinate resection were not seen in our study. This technique allows for preservation of the majority of middle turbinate structure and function, avoiding risks associated with total or partial full-thickness resection.
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