Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
Comparison of Submucosal Diathermy And Endoscopic Diode Laser Assisted Turbinoplasty In Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy
By Mirza Nasheed Baig, Mumtaz Ahmad Umar, Farhan Ahmed and 3 others.
Abstract
Objective
To compare the clinical outcomes and postoperative recovery associated with submucosal diathermy (SMD) and endoscopic diode laser-assisted turbinoplasty (DLAT) in patients with bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH).
Method
This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Rawal General and Dental Hospital, Islamabad, between January and June 2024. A total of 60 patients with bilateral ITH who did not respond to medical therapy were included. Patients were alternately allocated according to the order of enrolment into Group A (SMD) or Group B (DLAT). Nasal airway function was assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score at baseline and during a 12-week follow-up. The secondary outcomes included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, mucosal recovery, and patient satisfaction.