A turbinectomy or turbinoplasty (preserving the mucosal tissue) is a surgical procedure, that removes tissue, and sometimes bone, of the in the nasal passage, particularly the inferior nasal concha. The procedure is usually performed to relieve nasal obstructions.
Indications
A turbinectomy is usually performed to resolve turbinate hypertrophy, where the turbinates are swollen and enlarged. Common causes of this condition are
allergies, environmental
irritation, or a deviated septum.
Procedure
Traditional methods
There are many different techniques used in a turbinectomy, including
electrocautery,
cryotherapy (cryoturbinectomy), laser vaporization, and turbinoplasty. These require general anesthesia.
Radiofrequency ablation
The use of radiofrequency ablation has shown to be a safer alternative, being performed as an outpatient procedure, using
lidocaine for
local anesthesia. It does not alter the
epithelium structure or function. It causes no postoperative pain, bleeding, or crusting, though it can result in some temporary nasal blockage or
rhinorrhea due to resulting inflammation.
Complications
Empty nose syndrome, 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,
inter alia.
See also
