A Comparative Study of Coblation versus Microdebrider - Assisted Inferior Turbinate Reduction

Abstract

Background: Chronic nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is a pervasive condition that significantly impairs quality of life. When medical management fails, surgical reduction is necessary. Contemporary mucosa-sparing techniques like microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) and coblation-assisted turbinoplasty (CAT) aim to restore airflow while preserving nasal function.

Objective: This study compares the intraoperative parameters, postoperative clinical outcomes, and overall effectiveness of MAT versus CAT.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Travancore Medical College, Kollam, involving 172 patients (86 per group) aged 18-60 with refractory ITH. Patients were randomized into Group A (MAT) and Group B (CAT). Outcomes were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively using subjective symptom scores, Friedman’s grading, and the Cold Spatula test.

Results: Both techniques achieved 100% resolution of nasal obstruction by the 6th postoperative week. CAT demonstrated significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (mean ~6.36 ml vs. ~6.79 ml; $p=0.000$) and superior reduction in snoring at all follow-up intervals ($p < 0.05$). MAT patients showed significantly faster pain resolution by the third postoperative week. Universal crusting at week 1 resolved in all patients by week 6.

Conclusion: Both CAT and MAT are highly effective for ITH management. CAT offers advantages in minimizing blood loss and snoring, while MAT provides faster late-stage pain resolution.