Turbinate Surgery: A Brief Overview

What are Turbinates?

Your nasal passages contain three pairs of bony structures called turbinates. These structures are covered with a mucous membrane and help to warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe.

Why is Turbinate Surgery Needed?

Sometimes, the turbinates can become enlarged due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other conditions. This enlargement can lead to nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and sleep disturbances. When medical treatments like medications or allergy therapy fail to provide relief, turbinate surgery may be recommended.

Services & Procedures

Types of Turbinate Surgery

There are several surgical techniques to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates:

  • 1. Turbinectomy:
  • A portion of the turbinate is removed.
  • Can be performed using traditional techniques or minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
  • May require general or local anesthesia.
  • 2. Turbinoplasty:
  • The turbinate is reshaped or repositioned to improve airflow.
  • Often performed using a technique called outfracture.
  • May require general or local anesthesia.
  • 3. Radiofrequency Ablation or Topical Turbinate Reduction:
  • A probe is inserted into the nose to deliver heat energy, which shrinks the turbinate tissue.
  • Typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.

Benefits of Turbinate Surgery

Turbinate surgery can significantly improve your quality of life by:

  • Improving nasal breathing: Reducing congestion and making it easier to breathe through your nose.
  • Reducing snoring: Alleviating snoring and sleep apnea.
  • Improving sleep quality: Promoting better sleep and reducing daytime fatigue.
  • Enhancing sense of smell and taste: Clearer nasal passages can enhance your sense of smell and taste.

Reference: American Academy of Otolaryngology, NLM

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This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.