The relationship between middle ear pressure and deviated nasal septum

The deviated nasal septum may be associated with middle ear problems, particularly on the side of nasal obstruction. This study aims to find out whether middle ear pressure (MEP) correlates with the degree of nasal obstruction secondary to a deviated nasal septum, and to examine changes in MEP following septal surgery. Patencies of the nasal passages (measured with a peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter) and MEP (measured with tympanometer) of 55 patients were obtained prior to surgery and 7.5 (6–10) months post-operatively [median (range)]. Forty patients completed the study. Results were analysed by linear regression. In the ear on the side of nasal blockage, MEP was -25.7±28.4 mm water pre-operatively, and following surgery increased significantly to -2.9±30.4 mm water (mean±sd ) (P < 0.001). Pre-operatively, it was inversely related to the difference in patencies between the two nasal passages (r = -0.32, P < 0.02). Post-operatively, its improvement correlated with the degree of reduction of asymmetry of airway patency (r = 0.56, P < 0.001).     

Impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on otologic symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate improvements in otologic symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and identify differences in symptoms, if any, between CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyposis.Material and methodsThis is a prospective multi-center observational cohort study. Adults with medically recalcitrant CRS who elected ESS were enrolled in a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study between March, 2011 and October, 2014. Preoperative evaluation of subjects included assessment of clinical characteristics, measures of disease severity, and quality of life evaluation using the 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Postoperative improvement in otologic symptoms (ear fullness, dizziness, ear pain) scores were evaluated and compared between CRSwNP and CRSsNP subgroups.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-five study patients completed both preoperative and postoperative evaluations, with an average follow-up of 13.9 months after ESS. The prevalence of patients reporting at least one otologic symptom preoperatively (87%) significantly decreased after ESS (63%, P < 0.001). Significant postoperative improvement across all otologic scores was also reported (P < 0.001). Relative mean improvement in otologic symptom severity was similar for both CRSwNP and CRSsNP, except patients with CRSwNP reported significantly greater postoperative improvement in ear fullness compared to CRSsNP (54% vs. 41%, P = 0.039). A total of 61%, 44%, and 43% of patients reported experiencing improvement in “ear fullness”, “dizziness” and “ear pain”, respectively.ConclusionSinus surgery significantly improves otologic symptoms associated with CRS. CRSwNP patients reported slightly greater relief of ear fullness than CRSsNP patients following ESS.     

A correlative manometric and endoscopic study of tubal function in dry central perforation of the tympanic membrane

Since good ventilation of the middle ear is a pre-requisite for successful myringoplasty, it was our policy to investigate the tubal function in dry central perforation of the eardrum and to correlate the manometric and endoscopic findings. Nasal endoscopy proved to be indispensable in diagnosing mechanical tubal obstruction and in localizing and even treating 'hidden' lesions in key areas, with probable normalization of the tubal function. The correction of the mechanical tubal obstruction must precede ear surgery. Whenever tubal obstruction is diagnosed as functional or idiopathic, the ventilation of the middle ear should be guaranteed during ear surgery by addition of a tympanostomy tube to the graft or drum remnant, and a guarded prognosis given.     

The prognostic value of subjective nasal symptoms and SNOT-22 score in middle ear surgery

BackgroundThe relationship between nasal functions and middle ear surgery is still under debate. Nasal obstruction is considered as a negative prognostic factor in middle ear surgery. This is based on the theory that it may cause Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) by leading to reduced ventilation of the middle ear, as found in several patients with nasal septal deviation, chronic rhinitis and nasal polyps.ObjectivesTo assess how the subjective feeling of nasal function, evaluated by a preoperative questionnaire, may be predictive of surgical outcome and/or risk of failure in middle ear surgery.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated data of patients undergoing middle ear surgery for chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma. All patients completed the SNOT-22 and ETDQ-7 questionnaires. They underwent surgery for their pathology, as appropriate.ResultsThe SNOT-22 score was higher in patients with retraction pocket and in patients whose retraction pockets recurred after surgery (p < 0.05). Patients with higher score at SNOT-22 questionnaire, were more likely to show recurrence of atelectasis aftersurgery.ConclusionsThe SNOT-22 questionnaire, administrered before surgical procedure, can help in the identification of patients who are at risk of failure in the post-operative period, as well as ETDQ-7.     

Effects of nasal obstruction on Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure.

To evaluate the relationship between nasal obstruction and otitis media, 10 ferrets were studied before and after either unilateral (E = 5) or bilateral (n = 5) nasal obstruction. Observations included otomicroscopic assessments of middle ear status, tympanometric recordings of middle ear pressure and forced-response, inflation-deflation and continuous monitoring tests of Eustachian tube function. During the 6 8 week post-obstruction follow-up period no animal developed evidence of otitis media. Abnormal positive middle ear pressures lasting for the period of follow-up occurred only in the animals with bilateral nasal obstruction. Eustachian tube function test results showed these pressures to be generated during swallowing. No changes in the passive function of the tube were documented in either group, but changes in active function consistent with alterations in the pressure gradient between the middle ear and the nasopharynx were observed in both groups.     

Do ventilated packs reduce post-operative Eustachian tube dysfunction?

Nasal packing is associated with post-operative Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients undergoing nasal surgical procedures. The effect of cannulated nasal packs which may improve nasopharyngeal ventilation was investigated in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Adult elective patients without tympanometric evidence of pre-operative Eustachian tube dysfunction were recruited. All subjects underwent single or combined intranasal surgical procedures and were randomized to receive either bilateral cannulated or non-cannulated Merocel nasal packs. Middle ear pressures (MEP) were recorded pre-operatively and post-operatively before nasal pack removal. Left and right ear results were amalgamated for analysis and 40 adults, 20 in each group were analysed. There was no difference in preoperative MEP, - 15 dPa (median value) in both groups. Post-operatively the MEP changed in both groups P < 0.0001. There was no significant inter group difference in the post-operative median MEP, - 85 dPa in the cannulated and - 70 dPa in the control groups, (95% c.i. for the difference in the medians - 25-55 dPa). Nasal surgery with post-operative packing leads to an objective reduction in MEP which is not altered by venting the packs.     

Effect of anesthetic gas on middle ear fluid

Tympanometry was performed before (preoperative) and after (intraoperative) the administration of inhalation anesthesia including nitrous oxide and halothane on 109 children undergoing myringotomy with pressure equalization tube insertion. A total of 213 preoperative tympanograms were compared with their intraoperative counterparts and the presence or absence of middle ear effusion at myringotomy. When preoperative tympanograms were consistent with pneumatized middle ears, intraoperative findings demonstrated a mean middle ear pressure increase of +147 daPa. When preoperative tympanometry suggested middle ear effusion, less than 1% demonstrated intraoperative tympanometric changes and/or findings at surgery that would support anesthesia clearing middle ear effusion. Preoperative tympanometric data were poor predictors of the presence or absence of effusion at myringotomy. The relationship between inhalation anesthetics (i.e., nitrous oxide and halothane) and middle ear fluids, and the reliability of tympanometry to predict middle ear effusion are discussed.     

Efficacy of adenoidectomy in the treatment of nasal and middle ear symptoms in children with Down syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of adenoidectomy in children with Down syndrome and control patients. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for preoperative symptoms, ear complaints, date and reason for adenoidectomy, and postoperative symptoms in 27 children (mean age, 6.0 years; range, 1.6-14.5 years) with Down syndrome and 53 age- and sex-matched controls who had adenoidectomy between January 1978 and September 1997. Long-term follow-up was aided by telephone interviews. Improvement in nasal and middle ear symptoms after adenoidectomy was calculated as the percentage of patients symptom-free postoperatively among those with symptoms preoperatively. RESULTS: After adenoidectomy, more controls than patients with Down syndrome had improvement in symptoms, including nasal obstruction (86.7% versus 50.0%; P=0.005); snoring (73.2% versus 40.9%; P=0.01); mouth breathing (84.1% versus 40.9%; P<0.001); and middle ear disease (68.0% versus 23.1%; P<0.001). Patients with Down syndrome were 7.7 times (95% confidence interval, 2.3-25.3) more likely to have chronic ear drainage after adenoidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that the efficacy of adenoidectomy in children with Down syndrome is significantly less than that in controls and should influence surgical decision making in these children.     

A Correlative Manometric and Endoscopic Study of Tubal Function in Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion

Since return of normal ventilation of the middle ear is a prerequisite for maintenance of an effusion-free ear state after tube fallout, it was our policy to study the tubal function in patients with chronic otitis media with effusion that had been treated with ventilation tubes (VT), and to correlate the manometric with the endoscopic findings. Normal manometric and endoscopic results indicated good tubal function, with an effusion recurrence rate of 11.1%. Abnormal manometric and endoscopic results indicated organic tubal obstruction that was, in most cases, correctable. Nasal endoscopy proved to be indispensable in diagnosing, localizing and even treating "hidden" lesions in their key areas that may be responsible for the obstruction. Thus, correction of the organic tubal obstruction must precede VT removal if recurrence of effusion is to be prevented. Whenever tubal obstruction is diagnosed as functional or idiopathic, ventilation of the middle ear should be maintained by frequent intubation or the insertion of long-term VT, and a guarded prognosis given.     

Measuring the correlation between adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (AN ratio) and tympanogram in children

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (AN ratio) and tympanogram in children. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical study from June 2002 to May 2003. METHOD: A total of 64 children, aged 6-9 years who presented with nasal obstruction, snoring, mouth breathing, and hyponasal speech were examined and AN ratio was calculated by using the lateral neck radiograms and compared with the tympanometric values. The relationship between AN ratio and middle-ear pressure was evaluated, regarding the AN ratio of 0.71. The chi-square test was used to analyze the correlation between AN ratio and middle ear pressures and Wilcoxon test was used to compare the changes between the mean AN ratio values, and mean middle ear pressures (including A and C type tympanograms) before and after medical therapy. RESULTS: Middle-ear effusions and C type tympanograms in impedance audiometry were both related to eustachian tube dysfunction resulting from enlargement of the adenoids with AN ratios higher than 0.71. Middle ear pressures were found lower in children with AN ratio greater than 0.71 than in children AN ratio less than 0.71 and the difference was highly significant (p<0.001). Although medical treatment of large adenoids was rather effective to shrink the adenoid tissue (p<0.001), it did not cause a statistically significant change in tympanometric values (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotherapy is effective in reducing adenoid size without signs and symptoms of infection. The reduction of the adenoids in size after 3 weeks of antibiotherapy has an positive effect on recovery of eustachian tube function but is not sufficient in patients with middle ear effusion. Early ventilation tube insertion may be an alternative therapy for the middle ear effusions not improving by 3 weeks medical therapy.     

Saline Irrigation in the Prevention of Otorrhea After Tympanostomy Tube Placement

Objectives: Comparison of intraoperative saline irrigation to otic drops in the prevention of postoperative otorrhea in children with middle ear effusion undergoing bilateral myringotomy with ventilation tubes. Study Design: This study was designed as a blinded, controlled, prospectively randomized trial. Methods: Study children were randomly assigned to receive either otic drops for 3 days postoperatively or saline irrigation of the middle ear space at the time of myringotomy. Only children with effusion present at the time of surgery were included. All children were evaluated for drainage 7 to 14 days postoperatively, and the degree of drainage was graded from 0 to 4. Results: Of the 84 patients entered into the study, 62 patients were eligible for data analysis (16 failed follow‐up, 6 records were lost). Of the patients who completed the study, not all had bilateral effusions, resulting in 111 ears for inclusion in the study. Fifty‐two ears underwent irrigation, and 10 were noted to have otorrhea (19.2%). Fifty‐nine ears received otic drops, resulting in 21 ears with otorrhea (35.6%). Evaluating the degree of otorrhea with a five‐point Leichert scale, the average score per ear was 0.42 for the saline irrigation group and 1.07 for the control group. The rate and degree of drainage were both statistically reduced in the saline irrigation group (P < .05). Conclusions: Using middle ear irrigation at the time of tympanostomy may be more effective than antibiotic drops in preventing postoperative otorrhea.     

An endoscopic study of tubal function and the diseased ethmoid sinus

Diseases of the paranasal sinuses--especially of the anterior ethmoid sinus--may affect tubal function. Acute and chronic sinus inflammations cause alterations in the normal pathways for secretions out of the sinus system. The normal secretion pathways usually bypass the orifice of the eustachian tube in the nasopharynx. Excessive or infected mucus can then be transported directly over the tubal orifice to cause its obstruction and promote ascending infections into the middle ear. We have found that nasal endoscopy proves to be very helpful in detecting even "hidden" pathologies due to sinus disease in key areas in the middle meatus, and furthermore allows a direct visualization of the tubal orifice. Functional endoscopic surgery has also enabled us to clear diseased and stenotic areas involving the sinus ostia with minimal procedures. Normal drainage and ventilation are reestablished via the physiologic sinus ostia and thus help to normalize tubal function.     

The adrenaline contraction test with rhinomanometry

The relationship between the sensation of nasal obstruction as a subjective symptom and nasal resistance was examined, and the adrenaline contraction test combined with rhinomanometry was evaluated. The nasal resistance was determined by the oscillation method using a rhinomanometry. As the sensation of nasal obstruction advanced, the nasal resistance tended to be increased. The group with a (-) sensation of nasal obstruction included patients with a high nasal resistance who corrected their first statement to a (+) sensation as a result of the adrenaline contraction test. The test indicated the sensation of nasal obstruction more accurately. In the 26 patients who underwent septoplasty and conchotomy, the rate of change in BNR by the adrenaline contraction test was 30-40%. The eight patients whose preoperative rate was less than 20% all showed a rate of more than 40% in unilateral rhinomanometry. Indications of reconstructive surgery for nasal obstruction may be present if the rate of change in BNR is 30-40% or the rate of change in unilateral rhinomanometry is more than 40%. Since the test predicted the postoperative nasal resistance, it can also be used in evaluating the results of surgical therapy.     

Middle ear barotrauma in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is associated with a risk of barotrauma to the middle ear. This prospective study of 82 patients undergoing long-term therapy for chronic conditions was designed to measure the incidence and severity of middle ear barotrauma. Twenty-four patients (29.3%) required the insertion of ventilation tubes for otalgia, significantly more of whom were suffering from radionecrosis of the head and neck region (P < 0.01). Thirty-two of the remaining 58 patients (55%) underwent specialist ENT assessment by otoscopy and tympanometry. Five ears (8%) showed the otoscopic changes of barotrauma (TEED grade 3 or 4), and one ear (2%) showed tympanometric evidence of a middle ear effusion (Type B tympanogram). We conclude that despite careful tuition in pressure equalisation and the appropriate use of ventilation tubes, up to 8% of ears sustain significant barotrauma. Tympanometry is unreliable in detecting these changes, otoscopy provides the most reliable screening technique.     

咽鼓管置管术在各种鼓室成形术中的应用

目的 :探讨咽鼓管置管术在各种鼓室成形术中的应用及疗效。方法 :对按不同方式进行听骨链重建、鼓室成形术的 71耳患者术中同时行咽鼓管置管术。结果 :除 5例继发鼓膜穿孔、术后流脓外 ,余均一次手术成功 ,未见再穿孔。手术失败与不同病种、不同术式间的差异无显著性意义。结论 :咽鼓管置管术对防止咽鼓管再粘连有效。     

自体软骨在外伤性歪鼻合并鼻通气障碍患者鼻整形术中的应用探讨

目的探讨自体软骨在外伤性歪鼻合并鼻通气功障碍患者鼻整形术中的使用方法和效果。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年4月,在陆军军医大学大坪医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科收治的30例鼻外伤患者的病例资料,其中男21例,女9例,年龄21~50岁,平均34.9岁,病程6 d至14年。全部患者均伴有不同程度的歪鼻畸形及鼻通气障碍,分为轻、中、重三类,其中轻度8例,中度11例,重度11例,均同期行开放性鼻整形术及鼻中隔偏曲矫正术。对于轻、中度歪鼻畸形及鼻通气障碍,采用耳软骨修饰鼻尖及加强鼻中隔软骨支撑、修饰鼻背凹陷畸形。对于重度歪鼻畸形及鼻通气障碍,将肋软骨雕刻成"Y"字型整体支架或者片状肋软骨构成2+1或4+1支架,将肋软骨支架与鼻中隔软骨尾端贯穿缝合固定,重塑加固鼻中隔支撑架及鼻小柱,避免鼻背塌陷。术前、术后测量鼻外观偏离值,并分别进行鼻外观视觉评分量表(VAS)、鼻腔通气VAS评分。采用Stata 15统计软件对术前与术后的测量数据行配对资料的t检验,VAS评分行卡方检验。结果30例患者中,3例术后出现鼻中隔血肿,经清理后正常恢复。术后随访2个月至2年,所有患者均无鼻中隔穿孔、鼻梁塌陷等并发症发生。术后治愈率为60.0%(18/30),所有患者术后歪鼻程度下降Ⅰ级,有效率为100%(30/30)。患者术后测量鼻外观偏离值低于术前,差异有统计学意义[(2.40±1.58)mm比(6.85±2.43)mm,t=8.42,P<0.001]。术后鼻外观VAS评分高于术前,差异有统计学意义[(6.60±1.16)分比(1.93±1.31)分,t=-14.59,P<0.001]。患者术后鼻腔通气VAS评分高于术前,差异有统计学意义[(6.53±1.04)分比(1.97±1.07)分,t=-16.78,P<0.001]。结论自体软骨在外伤性歪鼻合并鼻通气功障碍患者鼻整形术中使用疗效好,同期行开放性鼻整形术及鼻中隔偏曲矫正手术,可缩短治疗时间,及时改善患者鼻外观及鼻通气功能。     

Is surgery of the inner nose indicated before tympanoplasty? Effects of nasal obstruction and reconstruction on the eustachian tube

BACKGROUND: When tympanoplasty is to be done in a patient suffering from chronic otitis media, usually potential interactions between middle ear mucosa, Eustachian tube function, and the nose and nasopharynx are considered. Poor tubal function goes along with a diminished success rate of tympanoplasty. On the other hand, pathological findings in the nose or the nasopharynx are often said to be responsible for inadaequate tubal function. Consequently, many authors feel that surgery of the nose should be performed before tympanoplasty if septal deviation or hypertrophy of the conchae is seen in a patient with chronic otitis media. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In order to better understand interactions between nasal pathology and Eustachian tube function, we utilized a pressure chamber to examine 50 patients undergoing septoplasty and conchotomy. Besides insufflation tests (Toynbee, Valsalva), we performed dynamic tubal examination with the dual-impedance method. Active parameters (positive and negative residual pressure) and passive parameters (tubal opening and tubal closing pressure) were recorded as the chamber pressure was varied. The aim of our investigation was to test if surgery of the nasal septum and the conchae really improves tubal function, thus evaluating indications for septoplasty before tympanoplasty. In addition, we explored the early and the late consequences of nasal surgery on tubal function. This was done to find out the optimal postoperative period during which tympanoplasty could be performed following septoplasty. RESULTS: In many of the patients, insufflation tests were negative and dynamic tubal parameters were outside normal value range before surgery of the nose. One week after surgery, active and passive parameters and insufflation tests even deteriorated in the majority of our patients. Six to 8 weeks after surgery, we observed a tendency towards normalization of tubal parameters. This was significant for tubal closing pressure, but not for the other parameters. Whereas passive tubal parameters showed considerable improvement in many patients, there was no real improvement of active tubal parameters in most patients. This tendency was observed several months after surgery of the nose as well. Despite this improvement of passive tubal function, we did not observe a complete normalization of mean values even after 4 to 6 months. In several patients (who were satisfied with functional results of septoplasty) tubal parameters were even worse some weeks or months after nasal surgery, but this was not subjectively registered by our patients. DISCUSSION: We conclude from our data that dysfunction of the Eustachian tube frequently occurs in patients with deviation of the nasal septum and the conchae. Septoplasty and conchotomy worsen tubal function during the early postoperative period, lasting for at least one week. In a later period, improvement of tubal function may occur but in many patients no effects of nasal surgery on Eustachian tube can be measured. Thus, septoplasty before tympanoplasty cannot be generally recommended in all patients with septal deviation. We suggest that it may be useful in cases with severe nasal pathology or chronic infection of the nose or the nasopharynx, if this is accompanied by poor tubal function. We recommend analysis of Eustachian tube function before deciding on therapeutic management. Individual findings in the specific patient should be the leading criteria in all cases. If septoplasty and conchotomia are done, tympanoplasty should not be performed in the same session or in the early postoperative period, but several months after nasal surgery.     

鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术疗效观察

目的“减张法”是保持鼻背软骨-鼻中隔软骨复合体完整性、通过解除张力而使其居中对称的方法。本文研究鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术的主观和客观疗效。方法对67 例行鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术的鼻畸形患者临床资料进行回顾性总结分析。美学效果用电子测量尺测量和患者视觉模拟评分法。鼻阻塞改善程度用鼻阻力计测量和鼻阻塞症状评分法评估。结果34 例I型鼻畸形患者鼻畸形角度电子测量值术后（2.24±1.68）度与术前（11.94±3.17）度比较,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）。33 例C型鼻畸形患者鼻畸形角度电子测量值术后（177.20±5.80）度与术前（158.34±9.96）度比较,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）。患者主观满意度很好53 例（79.1%）,好13 例（19.4%）,一般1 例（1.5%）。术后鼻阻塞较术前明显改善,差异具有统计学意义（α=0.95,P<0.001）。术后随访期间所有患者未见并发症。结论鼻内镜下减张法功能性鼻整形手术有效、微创,适用于各种鼻畸形的治疗。     

Role of the External Nasal Dilator in the Management of Nasal Obstruction

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of an external nasal dilator in patients with nasal obstruction secondary to mucosal congestion (n = 33) or to septal deviation in the nasal valve area (n = 28). A group of subjects with healthy nasal cavities was tested also (n = 51). Acoustic rhinometric and rhinomanometric nasal measurements were performed with and without the dilator and before and after topical decongestion of the nasal mucosa. A visual analog scale was employed to evaluate the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Objective measurements showed that the external dilator increased the minimum cross-sectional area and decreased the nasal resistance significantly in all three groups (P < 0.01). The effect was more impressive in patients with septal deviation (P < 0.001). Subjective assessments reflected patency in all subjects except those in the mucosal swelling group (P = 0.06). From this study the authors conclude that the external nasal dilator offers an effective, nonsurgical therapeutic approach in the management of septal deviation that obstructs the nasal valve area. Although patients with nasal obstruction secondary to mucosal congestion showed objective improvement with the nasal dilator, these changes were not accompanied by a sensation of enhanced patency.     

Long-term efficacy of microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty with lateralization for hypertrophic inferior turbinates in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of microdebrider‐assisted inferior turbinoplasty with lateralization (MAITL) compared to submucosal resection for hypertrophic inferior turbinates. Study Design: Surgical outcomes were evaluated with respect to visual analogue scale, anterior rhinomanometry, and saccharin test results. Methods: From January 2002 to December 2006 inclusively, 160 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and hypertrophic inferior turbinates were enrolled into this study. The patients, all suffering from chronic nasal obstruction, were randomly classified into two groups, MAITL group or SR group, each comprised of 80 patients. Ten patients who did not display any nasal discomfort served as normal controls. For the submucosal resection group, patients underwent submucosal resection of the inferior turbinate, whereas patients in the MAITL group underwent microdebrider‐assisted inferior turbinoplasty with lateralization. Assessments (visual analogue scale, anterior rhinomanometry, and saccharin test) were conducted prior to the surgery and 1, 2, and 3 years after completion of surgery. Results: Compared to preoperative values, subjective complaints including nasal obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and snoring improved significantly in both groups at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery in both groups (P < .05 for all). Rhinomanometric assessment also showed significant improvement at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively in both groups (P < .05 for all). Saccharin transit time was significantly decreased (P < .05 for all) compared to preoperative values 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery in both groups. Conclusion: Microdebrider‐assisted inferior turbinoplasty with lateralization appears to be as effective as submucosal resection at relieving nasal symptoms and decreasing total nasal resistance and saccharin transit times for more than 3 years in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis who have had substantial nasal obstruction.