Assessment of Minimally Invasive Submucosal Resection of Bony Part of Hypertrophied Inferior Turbinates

Nabil Mohamed Zaraa, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port said University Hospital, Port said, EgyptFollow
Wael Salah Kamal, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.
Mahmoud Ahmed Hassan, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Reham Farouk Zittoon, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

Article Type

Special Issue Article

Subject Area

Rhinology

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is a leading cause of nasal obstruction. When the bony component predominates, mucosal-targeting techniques may be insufficient. Submucosal resection (SMR) of the turbinate bone preserves mucosal surfaces while addressing the structural cause of obstruction.

Objective: To assess the success of minimally invasive SMR of the bony part of hypertrophied inferior turbinates in improving nasal obstruction.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 patients with nasal obstruction due to ITH refractory to medical therapy at Suez Canal University Hospital (January 2025 February 2026). The procedure involved a small anterior incision, elevation of medial and lateral mucoperiosteal flaps, and removal of the bulky turbinate bone while preserving the mucosa. Outcomes were assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), endoscopic grading, and Friedman grading at one month postoperatively.

Results: SNOT-22 scores decreased significantly from 40.2 ± 20.3 to 1.56 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001), and VAS scores decreased from 9.1 ± 0.8 to 0.53 ± 0.68 (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, 100% of patients achieved mild SNOT-22 classification and 80% reported no nasal blockage. Endoscopic grading improved markedly, with 80% achieving grade I at four weeks. Friedman grading showed 96.7% grade I postoperatively. Mean operative time was 25.4 ± 7.1 minutes per side. No postoperative complications (bleeding, synechia, crusting, or atrophic rhinitis) were observed.

Conclusion: Minimally invasive SMR of the bony component of hypertrophied inferior turbinates is a feasible, effective, and safe technique that achieves significant turbinate volume reduction and symptomatic improvement while preserving mucosal integrity, with minimal complications.

Keywords

inferior turbinate hypertrophy, submucosal resection, nasal obstruction, turbinoplasty, bony hypertrophy

Recommended Citation

Zaraa N, Kamal W, Hassan M, et al. Assessment of Minimally Invasive Submucosal Resection of Bony Part of Hypertrophied Inferior Turbinates. Pan Arab J. Rhinol. 2025; 15 : -.
Available at: https://pajr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol15/iss2/16 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58595/2090-7559.1265