Tan NCW, et al. - Authors investigated the clinical effect of partial middle turbinate (MT) resection (PMTR) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), paying particular attention to the risk of developing empty nose syndrome (ENS) and alteration to olfaction. To ESS, PMTR was an adjunctive procedure. Results suggested that no additional risk of developing ENS symptoms as defined by the Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) was observed with PMTR, when performed by the senior author. This technique was seen to carry no additional risk to olfaction or other rhinologic symptoms. At the time of ESS, especially in patients at risk of lateralization of the MT, PMTR could be safely considered.

Methods

• Researchers conducted this cohort study on prospectively collected data.
• For CRS, a total of 177 patients underwent ESS; 93 had PMTR and 84 MT preservation (MTP).
• Subjective symptom scores as per the Adelaide Disease Severity Score (ADSS), Lund-Mackay scores, and nasal polyp status were included in the preoperative data collection.
• Experts administered the ENS6Q by telephone consultation and analyzed alongside postoperative symptom scores.

Results

• As per findings, compared to those who had MTP, there was no difference in ENS6Q scores in patients who underwent PMTR.
• Results demonstrated a higher baseline disease on Lund-Mackay scoring in the patients who underwent PMTR, and were more likely to be nasal polyp patients and be undergoing revision surgery.
• Significant improvements in all rhinologic symptoms, with no difference between the cohorts was demonstrated in ADSS scores.