Patient Information | Turbinate Surgery (Turbinoplasty)
Editor: Dr. Camille GALY - www.orl-information.fr
Turbinoplasty is a procedure that aims to improve nasal ventilation by reducing the volume of the inferior nasal turbinates.
We all have two inferior turbinates, which are anatomical structures located in each nasal cavity. These turbinates are involved in warming, humidifying, and filtering the air.
Why perform turbinoplasty?
In some people, the shape of the turbinates or the volume of the mucous membrane lining them causes obstruction of the nasal cavities, which can be bothersome and contribute to snoring or, more rarely, sinus or ear infections.
When properly administered medical and local treatments fail to correct this problem, turbinoplasty may be indicated.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The turbinates are approached through the nostril opening. There is therefore no visible scar at the end of the procedure. The surgeon reduces the volume of the turbinate mucosa using the procedure of his or her choice, using cold instruments or cauterizing devices. The procedure rarely lasts more than 15 minutes.
What are the after-effects of the procedure?
The postoperative course is straightforward and usually allows for discharge home on the day of the procedure. Daily rinsing of the nasal cavities with salt water helps limit crusting and promotes healing.
What are the risks of the procedure?
Any procedure on the human body, even when performed under optimal conditions of skill and safety, carries a risk of failure and complications.
In the immediate aftermath of turbinoplasty, the following may occur:
• Bleeding, often transient and minor, which in some cases requires packing the nasal passages for a few hours to several days.
• Watering is sometimes observed. This is related to irritation of the lacrimal ducts, which is facilitated by the packing.
Procedure failures are possible, and improvement in nasal ventilation may not be entirely satisfactory. Finally, the surgeon's respect for the bony structures of the turbinates helps prevent the development of crusted rhinitis and "empty nose syndrome."
Prof. Benjamin LALLEMANT
ENT & MFC Department - Head and Neck Surgery
Nîmes University Hospital, France
www.orl-information.fr
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