Turbinectomy Surgery: Things to Expect from This Procedure
Have you ever heard of the turbinate that is present in your nose? Well, it is a three-pair structure that helps moisten and filter the air you inhale. However, sometimes this can become enlarged, which will cause a nasal blockage. That can make breathing difficult and harm your ability to smell.
Most otolaryngologists in Oklahoma City recommend turbinectomy, a procedure to remove some or all small bones in the turbinate of your nose. It will be suggested to you when all other conservative method fails to help the patient. That usually allows patients with chronic nasal congestion and help people with sleep apnea. Here is everything you need to know about turbinectomy.
What is the Turbinectomy Procedure?
A turbinectomy procedure can help people who suffer from obstructive nasal symptoms due to turbinate. An otolaryngologist will remove the tissue or a part of it to reduce the obstruction.
The patient's needs will influence the procedure step and they might require other procedures with turbinectomy. The doctor will give you anesthesia before the process, which will help you stay calm during the procedure.
What Does the Otolaryngologist Recommend Before the Procedure?
Before you go for turbinectomy, your otolaryngologist will instruct you about everything you need to do before the procedure.
They will tell you when to stop drinking and eating before the surgery.
They will mention the medicines you have to avoid having.
What are the Different Methods of the Procedure?
Turbinectomy occurs in different methods:
Surgical Removal- The otolaryngologist shaves off the turbinate or part of it.
Cauterization, Coblation, and Radiofrequency- In this, the doctor uses a needle, a device that takes the help of heat to form scar tissue in the turbinate. It helps reduce the turbinates' size, thus reducing nasal blockage.
How Much Does It Cost?
You can discuss the costs of the procedure with your doctor, as they can help you check if your insurance will cover the expense. However, you might have to co-pay some amount depending on the type of insurance plan you have.
What are Some Side-Effects You Can Face?
There are specific side effects that most patients face like:
Feeling like having a bad cold
Swelling in the areas around the nose and eyes
Numbness in the gum
Bruising around and near your eyes and nose
However, your doctor can assist you in relieving the symptoms significantly.
What is the Recovery Process?
The recovery process of turbinectomy depends on the severity of the condition and the multi-procedure you had. Although there are certain things that an otolaryngologist can suggest, like:
You have to keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping.
You can apply ice on the nose to reduce the swelling.
If you bleed, you can use a gauge to collect blood from that area.
Eat your food slowly and opt for a soft and cold diet.
You can use a saline nasal spray to prevent the crust from forming.
Choose the Right Clinic
If you plan to get a turbinectomy, you can contact Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC. We have taken care of our patients for over 35 years and have some of the best physicians on our team. You can check out our patient reviews on our website.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.