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.

Indications

Nasal Obstruction

Hypertrophic inferior turbinates

Allergic Rhinitis

Refractory to medical therapy

Sleep Apnea

Nasal obstruction contributing to OSA

Sinusitis

Turbinate hypertrophy causing sinusitis

Snoring

Nasal obstruction causing snoring

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Patient refusal
Uncontrolled bleeding
Severe coagulopathy

Relative Contraindications

Active infection
Recent surgery
Age extremes

📋 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.