Turbinate surgery

Definition

The inside walls of the nose have 3 pairs of long thin bones covered with a layer of tissue that can expand. These bones are called nasal turbinates.

Allergies or other nasal problems can cause the turbinates to swell and block airflow. Surgery can be done to open blocked airways and improve your breathing.

Alternative Names

Turbinectomy; Turbinoplasty; Turbinate reduction; Nasal airway surgery; Nasal obstruction - turbinate surgery

Description

There are several types of turbinate surgery:

Turbinectomy:

Turbinoplasty:

Radiofrequency or laser ablation:

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Your provider may recommend this procedure if:

Risks

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure

Always tell your provider:

During the days before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure

Many people have good short-term relief from radioablation. Symptoms of nasal blockage may come back, but many people still have better breathing 2 years after the procedure.

Almost all people who have turbinoplasty with a microdebrider will still have improved breathing 3 years after surgery. Some do not need to use nasal medicine anymore.

Outlook (Prognosis)

You will go home on the same day as surgery.

You will have some discomfort and pain in your face for 2 or 3 days. Your nose will feel blocked until the swelling goes down. You may feel partly congested for a few weeks.

Your surgeon or nurse will show you how to take care of your nose during your recovery.

You will be able to go back to work or school in 1 week. You can return to your normal activities after 1 week.

It may take up to 2 months to heal completely.

References

Beswick DM, Ramakrishnan JB. Septoplasty and turbinate surgery. In: Scholes MA, Ramakrishnan VR, eds. ENT Secrets. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 28.

Corren J, Baroody FM, Togias A. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.

Kridel RWH, Sturm A. The nasal septum. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 29.

Otto BA, Barnes C. Surgery of the turbinate. In: Myers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 97.



Review Date: 11/29/2022
Reviewed By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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