Middle turbinate stabilization technique in endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy has accounted for a high percentage of postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a suture stabilization technique of the middle turbinates in an attempt to solve this problem and preserve the middle turbinate.

DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of 31 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate.

RESULTS: With the technique of suture stabilization of the middle turbinate in 60 operated-on sides of 31 patients, 59 sides showed the middle meatus to be patent without synechia or maxillary sinus ostium obstruction postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: The complication of lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy can be prevented with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate, and the middle turbinate can be preserved.