Efficacy of intra- and extraturbinal microdebrider turbinoplasty in perennial allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT) has become a popular method for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis and can be performed intraturbinally or extraturbinally. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of these two methods. STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized study. METHODS Sixty patients diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitis were selected. Thirty patients were treated with intraturbinal MAIT (group 1) and 30 patients were treated with extraturbinal MAIT (group 2). Postoperative changes in nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, and postnasal drip were evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The cross-sectional area of the second notch and nasal cavity volume were compared at 12 months. The operation time, duration of crust formation, and postoperative bleeding were also compared. RESULTS All symptoms improved significantly in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. However, when improvement of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching was compared, improvement was statistically significant in group 2 at 12 months. Acoustic rhinometry demonstrated a significant increase in the cross-sectional area of the second notch and nasal cavity volume in both groups, which did not differ significantly between the two groups at 12 months. The operation time and duration of crust formation were longer in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was higher in group 2. CONCLUSION Although both methods showed significant improvement, extraturbinal MAIT seemed more effective for long-term relief of allergic symptoms. However, the advantages and disadvantages of each method should be considered before choosing the surgical technique.