Overview
Turbinectomy is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates, improving nasal airflow and breathing.
Turbinectomy is crucial for treating nasal obstruction caused by hypertrophic turbinates and improving nasal breathing.
Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx ENT Course
Indications
Hypertrophic inferior turbinates
Refractory to medical therapy
Nasal obstruction contributing to OSA
Turbinate hypertrophy causing sinusitis
Nasal obstruction causing snoring
Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Relative Contraindications
📋 Equipment Checklist
Check off items as you gather them:
Pre-procedure Preparation
Preparation includes patient assessment, equipment setup, and understanding contraindications.Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Patient Preparation
Position patient, administer anesthesia.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor positioning
- Inadequate anesthesia
💡 Pro Tip:
Use proper positioning.
Step 2: Nasal Preparation
Decongest and anesthetize nasal cavity.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Inadequate preparation
- Poor visualization
💡 Pro Tip:
Ensure proper preparation.
Step 3: Turbinate Exposure
Expose inferior turbinate.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Poor exposure
- Injury
💡 Pro Tip:
Use gentle technique.
Step 4: Tissue Reduction
Reduce turbinate tissue.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Excessive removal
- Bleeding
💡 Pro Tip:
Use careful technique.
Step 5: Hemostasis
Control bleeding.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Inadequate hemostasis
- Post-op bleeding
💡 Pro Tip:
Ensure complete hemostasis.
Step 6: Closure
Pack nasal cavity and provide instructions.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Inadequate packing
- Poor instructions
💡 Pro Tip:
Use proper technique.
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Post-procedure Care
Post-procedure care involves nasal care, monitoring for complications, and long-term follow-up.Complications & Management
Complication | Incidence | Signs | Management | Prevention |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bleeding | 2-5% | Active bleeding | Packing, cautery | Proper hemostasis |
Infection | 1-2% | Fever, pain | Antibiotics | Sterile technique |
Empty nose syndrome | 1-3% | Nasal dryness, discomfort | Symptomatic treatment | Conservative resection |
Synechiae | 1-2% | Nasal obstruction | Lysis of adhesions | Proper technique |
Clinical Pearls
Use conservative resection.
Ensure adequate hemostasis.
Avoid excessive removal.
Check for complications.
Document procedure details.
Provide clear post-op instructions.
Monitor for complications.