Turbinectomy; Purpose, Procedure and Recovery
Turbinectomy is a routine surgical procedure that is typically opted for by patients who experience chronic nasal congestion, obstruction or nasal discomfort.
This operation can be both an out-patient and in-patient procedure, depending on the invasiveness of the surgery, any complications that arise during surgery, or the type of anaesthesia used during surgery.
Surgeons may use different strategies during a turbinectomy, and understanding the purpose, procedure, and recovery associated with this surgical procedure can help patients prepare for the process.
Why Do Patients Need a Turbinectomy?
The human nose is one of the most complex organs in the body. While the nose looks rather strange on the outside, the inside of the nose features a complex system of passageways made of cartilage, bone, nerves, and blood vessels.
The nose is responsible for respiration, smelling, and even filtering contaminants and particles from breathed air. Within the nose is a bone known as the turbinate. This bone is protected by a very thin membrane of mucous.
If a patient experiences chronic nasal drainage, nasal congestion, sneezing, or nasal irritation, the removal of either the turbinate or the mucous membrane covering this bone may provide some relief.
The entire bone and mucous membrane should never be removed except in rare circumstances, as this bone is responsible for signalling the brain that air is flowing through the nasal passages. If the bone, membrane, and nerve bundle are completely excised, the brain will interpret the lack of stimulation to mean that the nasal cavity is still blocked.
The Turbinectomy Process
While most physicians still use general anaesthesia and surgical cutting to trim or remove part of the turbinate during a turbinectomy, new technology using lasers can improve the effectiveness of this procedure, reduce recovery time and eliminate many of the risks. With a laser, the physician cauterises the incisions made during surgery.
Recovery After a Turbinectomy
After a turbinectomy procedure, the patient will be quite sore for some time. It is important to follow post-surgical recovery advice at all times. The patient will typically be advised against blowing his or her nose, placing the head below the level of the heart, wearing contact lenses, breathing excessively through the nose, and performing other activities that may stress the nasal passages.
Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed and this medication should be taken regularly to avoid the onset of intense pain after a turbinectomy.
Contact Rhinoplasty Clinic Sydney if you looking into Turbinectomy surgery or are suffering from similar symptoms and require advice regarding this, phone 1300 113 318.
