[8 years' laser surgery of the inferior turbinates in vasomotor rhinopathy in the form of laser strip carbonization].

Between 1976 and 1984 more than 2000 patients with nasal obstruction due to vasomotor rhinitis were treated with the argon laser. The inferior turbinate was treated by laser-strip carbonisation over an area 3 to 5 cm long, 2 mm wide and 1 to 3 mm deep, surrounded by a 2 mm broad coagulation zone. 700 patients were invited to attend follow up and 411 turned up. The observation period was up to 5 years. 80% of the patients obtained a significantly improved or completely free nasal breathing. This result could be improved by 6% by further surgery. Advantages of the laser-strip carbonisation of the inferior turbinate are that it is a bloodless procedure which can be carried out accurately under vision, without nasal packing and it can be performed under local anesthesia without pain. Disadvantages are a longer healing period and temporary crust formation as in conchotomy, the high technical effort and cost of the laser. The end result after laser-strip carbonisation on the inferior turbinates was achieved after 1 1/2 to 2 years.