Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Turbinate reduction surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size while preserving the natural function of the turbinates. The goal is to improve nasal breathing and reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Since turbinate reduction surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction and improve breathing, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by decreasing headaches, snoring and sleep apnea.

Turbinate reduction surgery benefits patients with chronic nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophy of the inferior nasal turbinates, who have failed other medical treatments. Chronic nasal obstruction can impair normal breathing, thus forcing patients to breathe through the mouth and often affecting their daily activities. Enlarged turbinates and nasal congestion can also contribute to headaches and sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, as the nasal airway, the normal breathing route during sleep, is impaired. Turbinate reduction surgery is often performed in conjunction with nasal septal surgery.

Goals

Turbinate reduction surgery is performed in order to correct nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size while preserving the natural function of the turbinates. The goal is to improve nasal breathing and reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Since turbinate reduction surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction and improve breathing, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by decreasing headaches, snoring and sleep apnea.

Surgical Treatment

• Inferior turbinate reduction surgery can be performed under local (in the office) or general anesthesia (in an operating room).
• Turbinate reduction surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils; thus there are no incisions made on the skin.
• Turbinates are reduced by making an incision in the lining mucosa of the turbinate and thinning the tissue inside the turbinate. A microdebrider may be used to thin the tissues inside the turbinate. Alternatively, the tissues may be cauterized with radio frequency or electrical current.
• After reduction, the turbinates are pushed outwards to increase the space between them and the septum, thus allowing more air to flow.

After the surgery, once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, the patient is discharged home.
During the initial consultation, the doctor will examine you, study your CT Scan, if one is available, and discuss your medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for turbinate reduction surgery. the doctor will explain the surgery and what you can expect and will answer any questions and/or concerns that you have.