Parameters for argon laser surgery of the lower human turbinates. In vitro experiments.

On 8 human lower turbinates in vitro, experiments were performed using an argon laser with a power of 1-10 W, a beam diameter of 0.2 and 2 mm. For clinical laser surgery of the turbinates 1-2 W is sufficient. Drilling, incision, coagulation and vaporizing experiments, were done on the tissue of the lower turbinates. The results of this laser surgery are discussed and compared with present-day surgical methods such as conchotomy, cutting of the posterior ends by slinging, and electrocautery of the lower turbinates.