Name of the Procedure:

Excision of the Inferior Turbinate
Common Name: Partial or Complete Removal of the Inferior Turbinate
Medical Terms: Inferior Turbinate Reduction, Submucosal Resection of the Inferior Turbinate

Summary

Excision of the inferior turbinate involves removing part or all of the inferior turbinate, structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air we breathe. This can be done using various methods, including surgical tools, lasers, or radiofrequency devices.

Purpose

The procedure aims to improve airflow through the nasal passages by reducing the size of the inferior turbinates, which can become enlarged due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other conditions.

Indications

• Chronic nasal obstruction or congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medical treatment
• Sleep apnea or snoring due to nasal obstruction

Preparation

• The patient may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is used.
• Medications that affect bleeding (e.g., aspirin, blood thinners) may need to be adjusted.
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests may include a nasal endoscopy or CT scan to assess the nasal structures.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia is administered — local or general, depending on the case.
2. The nasal cavity is accessed, and the inferior turbinate is visualized.
3. The surgeon uses surgical instruments, a laser, or radiofrequency devices to remove or reduce the turbinate.
4. Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding.
5. The nasal cavity is packed with gauze if necessary to prevent postoperative bleeding.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or surgical center.

Personnel

• ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist)
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)
• Surgical Nurse

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring inside the nose
• Crusting or dryness inside the nostrils
• Altered sense of smell
• Rarely, empty nose syndrome — a condition of nasal dryness and a sensation of a large nasal cavity

Benefits

• Improved nasal airflow and breathing
• Reduction in nasal congestion and obstruction
• Better quality of sleep if nasal obstruction was affecting sleep

Recovery

• The patient may experience discomfort, congestion, and mild bleeding post-procedure.
• Pain management is often achieved through prescribed medications.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a week and follow all postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and remove any nasal packing if placed.

Alternatives

• Medical therapy with nasal steroids and decongestants
• Other surgical options like septoplasty (if a deviated septum is also contributing to the issue)
• Balloon sinuplasty ######## Pros of alternatives:
• Less invasive (medical therapy)
• Target multiple nasal issues if present (septoplasty) ######## Cons of alternatives:
• May not be as effective for severe turbinate enlargement
• Longer recovery or more risks in combined surgical procedures

Patient Experience

Patients might feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure if local anesthesia is used, but pain should be minimal. Postoperative discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with medications. The sensations of congestion and stuffiness are common initially but should improve as healing progresses.