Inferior turbinate surgery in children: a survey of practice patterns.

Objectives/hypothesis: A variety of techniques for inferior turbinate reduction have been used in children, but to date practice patterns have not been studied. The purpose of this survey was to study the practice of inferior turbinate surgery among pediatric otolaryngologists.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey study.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent electronically to American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngologists members.

Results: A total of 249 questionnaires were sent, and 103 (41%) were completed. Six questionnaires were eliminated due to incompleteness. Seventy-nine (81%) respondents performed inferior turbinate surgery. The most common reason for not performing the procedure was lack of outcomes data. Coblation was the most common technique used in 51% of respondents. A change in surgical technique in the last 2 to 5 years, most commonly to coblation or microdebridement, was reported by 53% of respondents. Nasal obstruction was the primary indication for turbinate reduction (81%), followed by sleep-disordered breathing (16%). Respondents reported that 20% of turbinate reductions were sole procedures, and 80% were with other procedures: adenotonsillectomy, septoplasty, and sinus surgery. Fifty-six (71%) responders were either satisfied or very satisfied with the results of pediatric turbinate surgery. Failure of the procedure, epistaxis, and nasal crusting were commonly reported complications, and 9% reported major complications.

Conclusions: A high proportion of pediatric otolaryngologists perform inferior turbinate surgery, most commonly for nasal obstruction. Coblation is the most common technique used, and complications are mostly minor. Physician satisfaction rates are high despite a paucity of outcomes data on the procedure.