Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Turbinoplasty is a common procedure for the management of nasal blockage resulting from inferior turbinate hypertrophy. There are many ways to perform turbinoplasty; however, power-assisted medial flap turbinoplasty provides reliable reduction and long-lasting results compared to other techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the patency of the nasolacrimal drainage system after power-assisted medial flap turbinoplasty and to investigate the safety of this procedure with regard to drainage of the nasolacrimal ducts. METHODS: This prospective study included 31 patients (62 turbinates) who underwent power-assisted medial flap turbinoplasty in the period between January 2017 and December 2017 and had a normal nasolacrimal drainage system as confirmed by endoscopic fluorescein dye test preoperatively. The test was repeated 3 months postoperatively to test for patency. RESULTS: All the patients showed normal drainage of the fluorescein dye from the inferior meatus preoperatively and postoperatively as well. No other major complications resulting from the power-assisted medial flap turbinoplasty procedure were reported. CONCLUSION: Power-assisted medial flap turbinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. There was no nasolacrimal duct injury among our patients and we did not observe any major complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IIb.