Turbinectomy

What is a turbinectomy?

A turbinectomy is an operation to reduce the size of your inferior turbinates, bony shelves inside your nose covered with soft tissue that help control the flow of air as you breathe. Sometimes these can become permanently enlarged and block your nose.

What conditions does a turbinectomy treat?

This operation treats a permanently blocked nose caused by enlarged inferior turbinates, often linked to conditions such as allergies or rhinitis (inflammation inside the nose).

What are the benefits of a turbinectomy?

The main benefit is relief from a blocked nose. Most people make a full recovery and are able to return to their normal activities.

Are there different types of turbinectomy?

If your turbinates are enlarged because of rhinitis, your doctor may first try treating this with steroid nasal sprays, decongestants or antihistamines. Surgery is only recommended if these haven't worked.

There are several ways to reduce the size of your turbinates. These include diathermy (passing an electric current through a needle placed on or inside the turbinate), trimming away part of the turbinate and its bone, or other techniques such as radiofrequency energy, laser treatment, or freezing. Whichever method is used, your surgeon will usually try to keep as much healthy lining as possible, since this tissue plays an important role in normal breathing.

What happens before a turbinectomy?

If you smoke, stopping now can reduce your risk of complications and improve your long-term health, since smoking also makes it harder for your nose to clear mucus. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can also help you prepare for and recover from surgery, though check with your healthcare team or GP before starting any new exercise.

Your healthcare team may also discuss any vaccinations that could reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover.

What happens during a turbinectomy?

This operation is carried out through your nostrils, so it won't leave any facial scars or cause black eyes. It's usually done under general anaesthetic, though a local anaesthetic can sometimes be used instead, and takes around 15 to 30 minutes.

Your surgeon reduces the size of your turbinates using one of several techniques and afterwards may place some packing in your nose to help prevent bleeding.

What does recovery from a turbinectomy look like?

Most people go home on the same day as their operation. If you have non-dissolvable packing in your nose, you'll need to stay overnight so it can be removed the next morning.

You'll need to stay off work and avoid groups of people for 2 weeks, to reduce your risk of catching a cold, which could lead to an infection. Regular exercise can help you return to normal activities, though check with your healthcare team or GP before you start.

Most people make a full recovery and return to their normal activities.

What are the risks and complications of a turbinectomy?

As with any operation, there's a risk of bleeding, either soon afterwards or a week to 10 days later, which occasionally needs a blood transfusion if heavy. Other general risks include infection of the wound, an allergic reaction to medication or equipment used, a blood clot in your leg or lung, and a chest infection.

Risks specific to this operation include scar tissue forming between your turbinate and the central part of your nose (septum), crusting, and increased nasal discharge. If too much tissue is removed, it can lead to atrophic rhinitis, sometimes called empty nose syndrome, where your nose feels persistently dry, crusty or blocked despite being physically clear.

Rarer risks include a bloodstream infection (toxic shock syndrome), a watery eye from damage to your tear duct, or a change in your sense of smell. Some pain is expected, and there's a chance your original symptoms could return, which may need further treatment.