In the present work we describe the management of hypertrophied inferior turbinates using CO2 laser in the UniPulse mode. The laser beam is delivered through the nasal probe delivery system, and the procedure is performed using the 0° endoscope. The UniPulse mode allowed fine-tuned, char-free tissue ablation, and the nasal probes allowed delivery of laser energy to the posterior parts of the inferior turbinates.

The procedure was performed on 149 patients. The one-year post-operative follow-up period revealed good functional results in 131 patients (88 per cent). The minimal nasal cross sectional area increased significantly from 0.52 cm2 to 0.81 cm2. The average decongestive effect, on the other hand, decreased from 0.26 cm2 to 0.07 cm2 indicating significant laser-induced fibrosis. The operation can be performed as an out-patient procedure with little or no morbidity.