Swiftlase inferior turbinoplasty

The hypertrophied inferior turbinates are responsible for nasal obstruction in patients with chronic rhinitis. Several methods have been applied to so lve this problem. Recently, laser methods have produced goon results. We pr esent the management of 387 patients with hypertrophy of the inferior turbi nates mucosa, using CO2 laser in combination with the Swiftlase apparatus. CO2 laser energy delivered through rite Swiftlase apparatus provides a char -free ablation of a superficial tissue layer. Swiftlase is easily installed onto the existing CO, laser units and provides a high-power density. The 1 -year postoperative follow-up revealed good results in 261 (81%) of 321 pat ients, thus establishing CO2 laser in combination with the Swiftlase appara tus as a promising new approach for the management of inferior turbinate hy pertrophy. CO2 laser energy delivered through the Swiftlase apparatus offer s a treatment modality capable of achieving excellent results in hypertroph y of the anterior turbinates with minimal morbidity.