What is Turbinoplasty: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

# What is‌ Turbinoplasty?⁢ Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results



Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure‌ for people ⁢with ​chronically congested nasal⁢ airways. The surgery is used to reduce the‌ inflammation and separates the turbinate bones ⁣in the nose, improving nasal airflow and ⁤breath.



## ‍What is Turbinoplasty?



Turbinoplasty⁣ is a minimally-invasive procedure performed ‍by an otolaryngologist (a specialist ‌in ear, nose, and throat care)‌ to reduce the size of swollen nasal turbinates. ​The turbinates—bony‌ structures in your nose—are responsible for moistening and warming inhaled air, helping ⁢to​ prevent the spread of infectious⁤ strains of bacteria.



When the turbinates become swollen due to ⁤allergies or chronic sinusitis, the airways become narrowed, making it difficult to⁤ breathe.‍ During turbinoplasty, the doctor⁣ will use specialized instruments to remove a small portion of the‍ bony turbinate. This reduces ⁢the overall​ size of the turbinate and allows for ⁤improved ⁤airflow.



The most commonly used technique is called CryoTurbinate Reduction. According ⁣to a study published in ⁣The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, this procedure⁤ effectively opens up the passageways in ⁣the nose and provides a ⁣lasting benefit to those suffering from chronic⁢ sinusitis.⁣



## Benefits of ​Turbinoplasty



Turbinoplasty ⁣is an effective, minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-term relief⁣ to‌ those suffering from severe ‍nasal congestion and sinusitis. The⁢ procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is often ​performed as part of a complete septoplasty procedure, which ⁢involves reshaping the septum that divides the two nostrils.



In addition to reducing symptoms of chronic⁣ sinusitis, turbinoplasty also offers other benefits, such as:



* Improved drainage of fluids⁢ from ‍the sinus ​cavities

* Reduced inflammation of the nasal tissues

* Clearer breathing

* ‌Reduced snoring

* Improved sleep patterns

* Relief from headaches, facial pain, and feelings of pressure



## ‌What Are the Expected Results?



Most ‌people experience immediate relief⁤ from their symptoms after turbinoplasty.⁤ The improved airflow⁢ usually lasts for several months or even for⁣ years, as ⁤long as you reduce allergens and pollutants⁣ in your environment, keep your sinuses free of infection, ⁣and⁣ maintain proper‌ hygiene to prevent the recurrence of inflammation.



It is also important⁣ to note that some people may experience a lack of or ‌no improvement of their symptoms. This can⁣ be due⁤ to chronic ⁣sinus problems or ⁣misdiagnosis of the root cause ​of the congestion. If​ this occurs, it is recommended that you⁣ speak to your health care ‌provider to discuss other alternatives that may provide relief from your symptoms.



## Conclusion



Turbinoplasty is a‌ minimally-invasive procedure used⁣ to reduce the size of swollen nasal turbinates, opening up the nasal passageways and⁢ providing a lasting benefit to those suffering from ⁣chronic sinusitis. The procedure typically takes about⁤ 30 minutes and offers⁣ a​ variety‍ of benefits, ​such as improved drainage⁢ of fluids from the sinus cavities, reduced inflammation, and improved breathing. Most people experience⁤ immediate relief after the‌ procedure and​ can enjoy improved breathing ​and ⁣other benefits for several months⁤ or years after the‌ procedure.⁢ It ⁤is ​important to note, ‌however, that some people may not experience any improvement of ⁣their⁣ symptoms and should consult their health care⁤ provider ⁣for other potential alternatives.

Definition and Overview

Turbinoplasty, also known as a turbinectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of turbinate bones in the nasal passage. It is often performed to relieve the symptoms and side effects of nasal obstruction.

The turbinate bone, also known as the nasal concha, is a shelf of bone that protrudes into the nose’s breathing passage. This long, narrow, and curved shape of the turbinate bone resembles an elongated seashell.

There are various conditions of the nose—including allergies—that can cause the turbinate bone to swell. When these bones are inflamed, the patient can experience nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.

It is important to note that turbinoplasty is not the first line of defence for patients experiencing nasal congestion or obstruction. It is only recommended when any other form of treatment—including medication and therapy—has failed to address the symptoms and allow the patient to breathe normally.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Patients with the following conditions that have failed to respond to more conservative forms of treatment can elect to undergo this procedure:

• The turbinates are too bulky causing blockage in the nasal passages
• Severe allergies that cause the turbinate bones and tissues to swell and obstruct the nasal passages
• Deviated septum— This condition can be corrected by combining turbinoplasty and septoplasty
• Nasal congestion or obstruction that becomes worse when lying down
• Vasomotor rhinitis, or the persistent discharge of clear fluid from the nose
• Alternating nasal obstruction on the side where the patient lays down on

Correcting the turbinate bones through surgery can improve the patient’s breathing and minimise snoring at night.

How is the procedure performed?

A turbinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general or local anaesthesia with sedation in a hospital or surgical clinic. Prior to surgery, the patient is:

• Asked to stop taking certain medications such as naproxen (e.g. Naprosyn and Aleve), warfarin (e.g. Coumadin), ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin and Advil), and clopidogrel (e.g. Plavix), which can prevent efficient blood clotting during the procedure.
• Advised to consult with a paediatric anesthesiologist (for children patients) to ensure that there will be no adverse side effects from the anaesthetics during and after the procedure.

Turbinoplasty can be performed using any of the following techniques:

• Outfracture approach – With this approach, the surgeon will insert a specialised tool into the patient’s nose to reposition the turbinate bones. Some of the tissues in the turbinates will be shaved off carefully to open up the nasal passages.

• Coblation sub-mucosal turbinate reduction – This involves the removal of tissues surrounding the turbinate bones and the shrinking of the remaining structure through coblation (an advanced technology that uses gentle radio-frequency energy and natural saline). This method is often recommended for patients who want to achieve optimal results without severe pain, downtime, and extensive recovery period. The procedure often takes around 10 minutes and the patient can resume all normal activities right after.

• Extra-mural turbinate reduction – This involves the opening of the nasal passages to surgically remove a portion of the turbinate. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and is followed by a three-week recovery period.

Possible Risks and Complications

Possible risks of a turbinoplasty include:

• Allergic reactions to medication and anaesthetics
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Formation of scar tissues or crusts inside the nose
• Formation of a hole in the tissue that divides the septum
• Fluid build-up in the nasal passages
• Change in the sense of smell
• Recurrence of nasal congestion or blockage after the surgery
• Loss of sensation in the skin of the nose
  
  

References:

• Ozcan KM, Gedikli Y, Ozcan I, Pasaoglu L, Dere H. Microdebrider for reduction of inferior turbinate: evaluation of effectiveness by computed tomography. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008 Aug. 37(4):463-8.

• Tanna N, Im DD, Azhar H, Roostaeian J, Lesavoy MA, Bradley JP, et al. Inferior turbinoplasty during cosmetic rhinoplasty: techniques and trends. Ann Plast Surg. 2014 Jan. 72(1):5-8.

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