Middle turbinate suture technique: a cost-saving and effective method for middle meatal preservation after endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND

Lateralization of the middle turbinate following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can lead to increased patient morbidity. Numerous techniques have been proposed to avoid this complication, including middle turbinectomy, stents, controlled synechiae formation, and metal clips.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if a suture technique is an effective middle turbinate stabilization procedure and to determine the cost savings of this technique compared to commercially available middle meatal stents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 60 cases, all performed by the senior author using a middle turbinate suture technique, and the 3-month postoperative results. The efficacy of the technique was determined, as well as its cost compared to other materials for middle meatal preservation.

RESULTS

A total of 110 turbinates were treated with the suture technique in 60 patients. The success rate was 98.2% (108 of 110). Commercial stent use cost ranged from 8 to 83 times the price of the suture depending on the stent.

CONCLUSION

The middle turbinate suture technique is effective in preventing turbinate lateralization and has a significantly lower cost than commercially available middle meatal spacer materials.