Partial inferior turbinectomy versus Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty: an evidence based analysis of nasal airway improvement

Background Enlargement of the inferior turbinates is a common cause of chronic nasal obstruction. Pharmacological therapy is generally the treatment of choice. Patients who do not respond will be treated by surgical reduction of turbinate. Recently, Coblation is used in inferior turbinate reduction and is associated with lower incidence of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications. Objectives To compare effectiveness of Partial Inferior Turbinectomy with Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty in reduction of hypertrophied inferior turbinate. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted on 46 subjects with symptomatic inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Participants were divided into Partial Inferior Turbinectomy group ( n = 23) and Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty group ( n = 23). Parameters assessed included quantitative intraoperative blood loss, post-operative pain, crusting and synechiae. Turbinate size was objectively graded using endoscopic evaluation preoperatively and at one week and three months post-operatively. Results Intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty group (35.17 ± 12.01 ml) compared to the Partial Inferior Turbinectomy group (85.96 ± 18.06 ml; p < 0.001). Notably, 95.7% of Coblation patients achieved Grade 1 reduction compared to 43.5% in the Partial Inferior Turbinectomy group. Post-operative pain and obstruction scores were significantly better in the Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Coblator Assisted Turbinoplasty is a superior, mucosal-preserving alternative to Partial Inferior Turbinectomy, offering effective volumetric reduction with significantly lower intraoperative bleeding, post-operative pain, without the risk of long-term atrophic changes.