Partial Middle Turbinectomy Versus Medialization Suturing of Middle Turbinate in the Management of Sinonasal Polyposis: A Comparative Study

The main goals of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is, to enlarge the sinus ostia. Most common cause of failure of ESS is lateralization of the middle turbinate causing recurrent blockade of osteomeatal complex (OMC) and recurrence of disease. Many techniques have been described for preventing lateralization of the middle turbinate. We compared the postoperative outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for sinonasal polyposis (SNP) with medialization suturing of middle turbinate and partial middle turbinectomy. 60 patients who underwent ESS for SNP were divided into three groups, Group A (Medialization suturing of the middle turbinate with septum), Group B (partial middle turbinectomy) and Group C (control-no middle turbinate intervention). Preoperative Lund Kennedy scoring, Lund McKay scoring, SNOT 22 scoring was done. Post-operatively, Lund Kennedy scoring was done at 1st, 4th, 12th week and SNOT 22 scoring was done at 4th, 12th week. Statistical analysis and comparison of data between the groups was done. Both the techniques, helped to improve OMC patency, mucosal healing, and to minimize adhesions. Medialization of the middle turbinate helped in improvement of SNOT 22 and Lund Kennedy scores in the postoperative period as compared to the non-interventional group. However, between the two middle turbinate interventional groups there was no statistically significant difference. Achieving middle meatal patency by middle turbinate interventions improves the postoperative outcomes. However, long-term follow-up studies are recommended for evaluation of efficacy of these techniques and to look for recurrence of disease in SNP.