Objective: In this study we aimed to compare the effects of submucosal cau-
terization of the inferior turbinate with or without inferior partial turbinect-
omy. Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, 60 patients
with inferior turbinate hypertrophy were randomized and divided into two
groups. The first one was submitted to submucosal cauterization associated
with partial turbinectomy, and the second one only submucous cauterization.
Five items were assessed to compare both methods: pain, nasal bleeding, scar-
ring, crustation and nasal air way patency. Follow-up was performed on days
1, 14, 30 and 3 months later. Results: In both groups crusting formation was
similar. Reactionary hemorrhage was more common in turbinectomy group.
Scarring showed better results in the turbinectomy group in the first month
postoperative, airway patency showed good results in 80% of the patients with
turbinectomy. Conclusion: Submucosal cauterization with inferior partial
turbinectomy has yielded better nasal patency when compared to submucosal
electrocautery ablation alone.