Endoscopic carbon dioxide laser turbinoplasty

In the present work we describe the management of hypertrophied inferior tu rbinates using CO2 laser in the UniPulse mode. The laser beam is delivered through the nasal probe delivery system, and the procedure is performed usi ng the 0 degrees endoscope. The UniPulse mode allowed fine-tuned, char-free tissue ablation, and the nasal probes allowed delivery of laser energy to the posterior parts of the inferior turbinates. The procedure was performed on 149, patients. The one-year post-operative f ellow-up period revealed good functional results in 131 patients (SS per ce nt). The minimal nasal cross sectional area increased significantly from 0. 52 cm(2) to 0.81 cm(2). The average decongestive effect! on the other hand, decreased from 0.26 cm(2) to 0.07 cm(2) indicating significant laser-induc ed fibrosis. The operation can be performed as an out-patient procedure wit h little or no morbidity.