Middle Turbinate Resection

Indications:

• Diseased turbinate is source of polyps or post-operative adhesions
• Enlarged turbinate prevents adequate surgical access to middle meatus

Highlights:

• Turbinate scissor are aimed in a downward direction so that when a cut is made along the turbinate attachment it is made parallel to the skull base.
• Posterior third of turbinate is left in place in order to decrease the incidence of postoperative epistaxis.

Keep in mind/Things to Remember:

• Evidence-based medicine supports the judicious resection of the middle turbinate when it is necessary during sinus surgery.