Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to compare the functional outcomes and side effects of the holmium:YAG laser and the diode laser on turbinate reduction.

Patients and Methods: Between January 2025 and December 2025, a total of 30 participants who underwent endoscopic turbinate reduction were included and divided into two groups: the holmium:YAG laser group (7 males, 9 females; mean age: 35.0±11.9 years; range, 19 to 61 years) and the diode laser group (8 males, 6 females; mean age: 33.0±13.8 years; range, 19 to 65 years). Preoperative and six-month postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores, pain and dryness scores, Visual Analog Scale, and threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) scores determined with Sniffin' Sticks were compared. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results: Holmium:YAG laser and diode laser concha reduction increased TDI scores in both groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03). Holmium:YAG laser and diode laser provided significant symptomatic improvement (p = 0.023 and p = 0.011). However, no significant difference was observed between the two methods in terms of TDI scores and symptomatic improvement (p > 0.05). Nasal dryness was slightly more common with the diode laser (0.049 and 0.059).

Conclusion: The use of laser systems in nasal surgeries is becoming widespread. Holmium:YAG lasers and diode lasers are frequently used in turbinate reduction.

Citation: Yilmaz E, Altundag A. Holmium:YAG laser and diode laser applications in turbinate reduction. Praxis Otorhinolaryngol 2026;14(2):92-96. https://doi. org/10.5606/kbbu.2026.45477.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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The authors declare that artificial intelligence (AI) tools were not used, or were used solely for language editing, and had no role in data analysis, interpretation, or the formulation of conclusions. All scientific content, data interpretation, and conclusions are the sole responsibility of the authors. The authors further confirm that AI tools were not used to generate, fabricate, or ‘hallucinate’ references, and that all references have been carefully verified for accuracy.

E.Y.: Data collection and/or processing; analysis and/or interpretation; literature review; writing the article; references and fundings; materials: A.A.: Idea/concept, design, control/supervision, writing the article, critical review, references and fundings, materials.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.