Comparing the Results of Submucosal Diathermy and Submucosal Resection in Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Nasal obstruction is a common complaint in the field of otolaryngology. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is the most common reason. There are different surgical methods for treatment of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of two surgical techniques, submucosal resection and submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate. In this clinical trial study, 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients and were operated with either submucosal resection or submucosal diathermy techniques. Comparison of improvement and complications was based on a questionnaire, postoperative follow up for 6 months, and Gertner-Podoshin scale before and after the operation. Based on the questionnaire results, 27 of 29 patients (93%) in the diathermy group showed significant improvement, while 2 patients (7%) had partial improvement. In the resection group, 27 patients (97%) and 1 patient (3%) had significant and partial improvements, respectively. According to the Gertner-Podoshin scale, good nasal airflow was increased from 16 pre-operation to 25 post-operation (P>0.05). With regard to the complications, bleeding was less common in the diathermy group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding other complications including crust, nasal dryness, pain and unpleasant odor. However, pain and unpleasant odor were fewer in the resection group. Both techniques are effective in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy despite technical simplicity of the diathermy. However, according to the results of the both techniques, neither method is superior as the treatment techniques of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy.