Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2003 Apr;46(4):309-312.

Middle Turbinate Stabilization after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Suture Technique

• Kim ST
• Chung YS
• Choi JH
• Jeon HG
• Ko SH
• Cha HE
• Han GC

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Middle turbinate lateralization is a common complication of endoscopic sinus surgery, and many methods are employed to avoid it. We tried to suture middle turbinate-septum-opposite middle turbinate for middle turbinate stabilization. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A prospective study was done for 32 patients who had floppy or paradoxically curved middle turbinate at the time of endoscopic sinus surgery. A 3-0 Vicryl suture on 20 mm 1/2 curved round bodied needle was used for suture. The needle was passed through the left middle turbinate from lateral to medial, transversing the nasal septum to the right side and continued through the middle turbinate from medial to lateral. It is then passed again in the opposite direction through the same structures and tied. All cases were followed up until complete healing was confirmed by endoscopic visualization at the final office examination. RESULTS: OMUs (Ostiomeatal Units) were patent in 93.7% (30/32) of patients. Middle turbinates of 2 cases were lateralized due to parted suture. In 4 cases (12.5%), patients complained temporary hyposmia during the immediate postoperative period. In 2 cases, patients continued to have hyposmia at 3 postoperative months, but recovered at 6 postoperative months. Crust was observed about 6 weeks. Granulation tissue was presented in 3 cases (9.4%). CONCLUSION: Suture technique is an effective method to stabilize middle turbinate and it can be performed in selected cases of paradoxical middle turbinate or floppy middle turbinate.

Keyword

Suture techniques; Endoscopy; Paranasal sinuses; Turbinates; Nasal septum