KTP laser inferior turbinoplasty: an alternative procedure to treat the nasal obstruction

Objective: Nasal obstruction resulting from inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) was treated with KTP laser inferior turbinoplasty (KIT). The effectiveness of the procedure was assessed. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was carried out in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from October 1, 1998 to September 30, 2000. Forty-eight patients with chronic nasal obstruction underwent KIT. Nasal obstruction was pre- and postoperatively assessed, based on 4-point scale, by the patient and investigator. The scores were compared by paired t-test. The correlation of assessment by the patient and investigator was also demonstrated by weighted κ test. Pre- and postoperative rhinomanometric evaluations were performed in 29 patients and were compared with paired t-test. Results: Significant reduction of nasal obstruction was obtained from assessment by the patient ( P