Turbinectomy surgery is a procedure that removes some or all of the small bony structures found inside the nose called turbinates. These structures clean, humidify and warm air through the human nasal chambers to the lungs. When one or all turbinates swell, enlarge, or are displaced, they cause an obstruction which may become a chronic problem. The turbinates may become enlarged due to allergies, stress, certain medications, weather changes, hormonal changes, and recurrent infections. Turbinectomy Surgery is performed when the problem has defied more conservative treatment approaches such as nasal steroids and allergic rhinitis. This nasal airway surgery is recommended to relieve chronic nasal congestion, minimize snoring and help you deal with sleep apnea. It is also performed to adjust airflow so that nosebleeds reduce and to correct a deviated septum.

Turbinectomy Procedure

An Otolaryngologist near you performs this surgery. Knowing which turbinate is affected helps the surgeon determine which surgical techniques to use. For example, the superior, middle, or inferior turbinates may be swollen or enlarged. Inferior Turbinectomy Surgery is recommended for patients with obstructive nasal symptoms that are caused by enlarged turbinates. The specialist will either reduce the turbinates or remove them. Reducing the turbinates is known as turbinate reduction and involves cauterization, coblation and radiofrequency. Surgical turbinate removal involves cutting into the turbinates to remove some of the bone underneath and shaving some tissue around them. Turbinectomy procedure steps depend on the individual needs of a patient and the doctor’s approach. The techniques that may be used include using a microdebrider to reduce the turbinates, electrocautery, laser treatment, and cryosurgery. You may require other procedures during turbinectomy surgery, such as septoplasty, to correct a deviated septum or sinus surgery. For any of these techniques, you will receive anesthesia in the form of a gas and intravenously. This will help you remain asleep and comfortable during the procedure. Special devices such as a pulse oximeter and a cardiac rhythm monitor will be used at South Florida ENT Associates to monitor you throughout the procedure continuously.

Turbinectomy Surgery Recovery

Recovering from a turbinectomy surgery depends on the severity of the condition and whether you had multi-procedures at the same time. You will go home the same day once you have recovered from the anesthetic. Arrange for care from a friend or family, as you will require assistance after surgery. As you rest or sleep, keep your head elevated above the heart to minimize edema and swelling. You may use some ice on your nose and the surrounding areas to minimize swelling. Use gauze dressing to collect blood from the nose as moderate bleeding is expected during the first 24 hours after surgery. Eat a light, soft and cool diet after recovering from the anesthetic. Consume food slowly to avoid postoperative nausea or vomiting. Be sure to take the prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. In addition, use saline nasal sprays frequently to prevent crusts from forming in the nose as they may cause the surgery to fail. Lastly, attend your postoperative appointment as scheduled and subsequent visits to the doctor’s office so that your healing is closely assessed and a speedy recovery insured.

As you wait to get back to your routine, you should avoid:

• Chewing hard
• Strenuous exercise
• Talking too much
• Taking hot liquids for several days
• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs up to three weeks after surgery

Common side effect symptoms after surgery include:

• Your nose and areas around the eyes, cheeks, or upper lip swell
• Numbness in the gums, nose tip, or upper lip
• Soreness and discomfort
• You will feel like you have a bad head cold
• The area around the nose and eyes will be bruised

The doctor will prescribe pain medication, nasal sprays and recommend using a humidifier and applying petroleum jelly around your nostrils to ease the symptoms.

Turbinectomy Surgery Cost

The cost for this surgery can be covered by several health insurance carriers, depending on your insurance plan. However, you may be required to co-pay some or more of the total cost. Your doctor will discuss the costs with you before the procedure and even help you check with your insurance provider. If you require a turbinectomy surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark T. Agrama. He expertly delivers high-quality services for all ear, nose, and throat problems.