Impact of unilateral sinus surgery with resection of the turbinates by means of midfacial degloving on nasal air conditioning

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: One of the most important functions of the nose is the climatization of inspired air. The aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of radical sinus surgery with complete resection of the turbinates and the lateral nasal wall by means of midfacial degloving as treatment for inverted papilloma on the nasal humidification and heating of inspired air. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Humidity and temperature were measured in the nasopharynx during normal respiration by means of a miniaturized thermocouple device and a humidity sensor for continuous detection. Eight patients after prior unilateral sinus surgery by means of midfacial degloving for a one-sided inverted papilloma were enrolled into the study. The humidity and temperature data of the surgically treated side were compared to the values of the healthy side that was not surgically treated. Active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed. RESULTS: At the end of inspiration, absolute humidity and temperature values in the nasopharynx were statistically significantly lower on the surgically treated side compared with the side that was not surgically treated. CONCLUSIONS: Radical sinus surgery with resection of the turbinates by means of midfacial degloving seems to disturb the climatization of the inspiratory air in the nasal cavity. Reduced absolute humidity and temperature may contribute to crusting, bleeding, and nasal dryness as frequent complaints of patients after aggressive sinus surgery with resection of the turbinates.