Objectives: To propose a simple technique to preserve, medialize and stabilize the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using a nasal septal flap Methods: a. Study Design: Case series, surgical innovation b. Setting: Tertiary hospital (Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan) c. Participants, Patients or Population: Six patients suffering from chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medication. The indication for doing this technique was unstable turbinates after removal of diseased mucosa. Results: Twelve weeks after surgery, the patients reported significant resolution of symptoms (headache, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip and loss of smell). CTand endoscopic findings likewise revealed clear ostio-meatal complex, drained sinuses, and complete removal of polypoid mucosa. No major side effects were noted. Conclusions: This technique is especially encouraged when surgeons encounter an unstable middle turbinate after removing massive pathologic mucosal lesions. This is a preliminary report and further investigations are being carried out to validate the technique. (Author)
TURBINATES