SUBJECTIVE COMPARISON OF ND-YAG, DIODE, AND CO2-LASERS FOR ENDOSCOPICALLY GUIDED INFERIOR TURBINATE REDUCTION SURGERY

Lasers using different wavelengths and delivery systems have been used to reduce the inferior turbinate mass when hypertrophic inferior turb inates obstruct the nasal airway. Different laser systems produce diff erent laser-tissue interactions. This study presents a comparison betw een three laser systems: CO2, Nd:YAG, and Diode lasers for inferior tu rbinate reduction surgery, all performed under endoscopic control.A to tal of 46 patients were randomized into three treatment groups and fol lowed for more than 1 year. Subjective and objective data were collect ed. Subjective impressions of improved nasal airway was achieved in 41 % (Diode), 47% (Nd: YAG) and 57% (CO2) anti was not statistically sign ificant. There was more postoperative bleeding in the CO2 laser group, with 3 patients requiring tamponade. The CO2 laser procedure also too k longer to perform. These results failed to show a significant differ ence between the different lasers for inferior turbinate reduction. Ov erall, the results were not impressive.