Background
Lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy has accounted for a high percentage of postoperative complications.
Objective
To evaluate a suture stabilization technique of the middle turbinates in an attempt to solve this problem and preserve the middle turbinate.
Design
Retrospective chart review of 31 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate.
Results
With the technique of suture stabilization of the middle turbinate in 60 operated-on sides of 31 patients, 59 sides showed the middle meatus to be patent without synechia or maxillary sinus ostium obstruction postoperatively.
Conclusion
The complication of lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy can be prevented with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate, and the middle turbinate can be preserved.
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:869-872
