ABSTRACT
In some centres, a particular kind of fibre-guided laser (KTP: potassium titanyl phosphate) is used instead of diathermy.
This has always been approached with caution, because removal of all the inferior turbinate on either side tends to produce an excessively-wide airway, which challenges the humidifying function of the nose to such an extent that chronic crusting may result. Excessively-wide noses are prone to the accumulation of golden crusts with a foul smell, a condition termed atrophic rhinitis. It is not commonly seen in the UK but is a common occurrence in hot, dry climates. Any surgery which widens the nose excessively may produce this condition, and ENT surgeons have been cautious about this in the past. Nonetheless, conservative trimming of the inferior turbinate may be extremely effective and is now regarded as a safe procedure.
