Treatment of hypertrophied inferior turbinates. Part 2

The surgical management of enlarged inferior turbinates has been actively d ebated for more than a century. The second part of this review decribes the following techniques: laterofracture, submucous turbinectomy, concho-antro pexy, partial turbinectomy, anterior turbinectomy, inferior turbinoplasty, total turbinectomy, and vidian neurectomy. Indications, advantages, disadva ntages, complications, and controversies of each treatment modalitiy are re viewed and discussed. Partial or submucosal resection should be prefered, b ecause there are moderate side effects and the amount of turbinate excised can be altered according the degree of symptomatology. Total turbinectomy o r vidian neurectomy are indicated if all other treatment attemps do not suc ceed.