Swiftlase inferior turbinoplasty

Abstract

The hypertrophied inferior turbinates are responsible for nasal obstruction in patients with chronic rhinitis. Several methods have been applied to solve this problem. Recently, laser methods have produced good results. We present the management of 387 patients with hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates mucosa, using CO2 laser in combination with the Swiftlase apparatus. CO2 laser energy delivered through the Swiftlase apparatus provides a char-free ablation of a superficial tissue layer. Swiftlase is easily installed onto the existing CO2 laser units and provides a high-power density. The 1-year postoperative follow-up revealed good results in 261 (81%) of 321 patients, thus establishing CO2 laser in combination with the Swiftlase apparatus as a promising new approach for the management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. CO2 laser energy delivered through the Swiftlase apparatus offers a treatment modality capable of achieving excellent results in hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates with minimal morbidity.