[Ambulatory laser and turbinectomy in the treatment of nasal obstruction. Apropos of 68 cases].

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare subjectively and objectively the efficiency of laser vaporisation against surgical procedure in treatment of nasal obstruction related to vasomotor rhinitis. 40 inferior nasal turbinates laser vaporisations were compared to 28 surgical inferior turbinectomies. This trial was based on rhinomanometric data before and after laser or surgical management and on appreciation of individual nasal comfort. The results obtained with conventional surgery were slightly better than laser vaporisation; however this new procedure succeed in 75% of cases with a mean of one year follow-up. The rhinomanometric++ findings appeared especially contributing when significant disorders exist before treatment.