Turbinectomy


Turbinectomy is a procedure in which some or all of the turbinate bones in the nasal passage are removed, generally to relieve nasal obstruction. In most cases, turbinate hypertrophy is accompanied by some septum deviation, so the surgery is done along with septoplasty.

Indications

A turbinectomy is mainly performed for turbinate hypertrophy, when the turbinates are swollen and enlarged. Mainly things can contribute to this, including allergies, environmental irritants, a deviated septum, among others.

Procedure

Traditional methods

There are many different techniques, such as electrocautery, cryotherapy, laser vaporization and turbinoplasty. They all require general anesthesia.

Radiofrequency ablation

The use of radiofrequency ablation has shown to be a safer alternative procedure, being performed under an outpatient procedure, using lidocaine for local anesthesia. It does not alter epithelial structure or function. It causes no postoperative pain, bleeding, or crusting; although it can cause some temporary nasal blockage or rhinorrhea due to resulting inflammation.

Complications

Empty nose syndrome, which is one form of atrophic rhinitis, is a condition that can develop as a result of turbinate surgery or other surgeries that have an impact on the turbinates. It is a rare condition in which people whose nasal passages are clear following a turbinectomy experience a number of symptoms, including feelings of nasal obstruction, nasal dryness, and crusting, as well as a sensation of being unable to breathe, among others.