Comparison of functional endonasal sinus surgery with and without partial middle turbinate resection

The aim of endonasal sinus surgery is to ameliorate sinonasal symptoms and to achieve a functional nose. Although the importance of opening the ostiom eatal complex is accepted, the role of middle turbinate surgery remains con troversial. Although some surgeons emphasize the importance of maintaining the middle turbinate as a physiological humidifier and anatomic landmark, o thers resect it without adverse sequelae. To date, there have only been lim ited reviews published to support either approach. This paper examines 1,10 6 matched patients who underwent similar functional endonasal sinus surgery with (509 patients) or without (597 patients) middle turbinate surgery. We demonstrate a paucity of complications and the potential outcome benefits of judicious partial middle turbinate resection in some patients with more severe rhinosinusitis.