# Hanging Middle Turbinates: An Uncommon Complication Following Septoplasty

## TL;DR

A rare complication called hanging middle turbinates occurred after a nasal surgery, and was successfully treated with additional surgery and imaging.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare post-septoplasty complication and emphasizes the role of preoperative imaging in surgical planning.

## Key findings

- Computed tomography revealed bilaterally hanging middle turbinates causing persistent nasal obstruction.
- Revision surgery with excision and diathermy resolved the issue with complete symptomatic improvement.
- Preoperative CT is crucial in revision septoplasty to guide surgical management.

## Abstract

Septoplasty is a commonly performed procedure with known complications including infection, bleeding, ocular injury, septal abscess, septal perforation, and long-term sequelae; however, middle turbinate involvement is rare and sparsely described in the literature. We report the case of a 20-year-old woman with no significant medical history who underwent septoplasty with submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinates at a private facility and subsequently presented with persistent nasal obstruction. Computed tomography demonstrated bilaterally hanging middle turbinates. The patient was managed with revision septoplasty, bilateral excision of the hanging middle turbinates with hemostasis, and repeat submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinates, resulting in an uncomplicated postoperative course and complete symptomatic improvement. This case underscores the importance of preoperative computed tomography in revision septoplasty to delineate nasal anatomy and guide appropriate surgical management.