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Inferior Turbinoplasty
Inferior turbinoplasty is a minor surgical procedure to decrease the size of the inferior turbinates in those patients who have not responded to medical therapy. In the past, reduction of the turbinates was performed by using a variety of methods including cautery or laser reduction, injection with steroids, cryotherapy (freezing) or surgical resection. These methods were either incapable of providing long-term relief (steroid injection and cryotherapy) or were associated with prolonged recovery or chronic nasal crusting (surgical resection, cautery and laser). Recently, techniques were developed to preserve the important function of the mucus membrane overlying the turbinate while still allowing for turbinate reduction.
 Powered inferior turbinoplasty uses a specialized instrument called a microdebrider, which is also used in sinus surgery (FESS). This small rotating blade is placed underneath the turbinate mucus membrane to remove the extra bulk of the turbinate from within. This technique has many advantages including more complete removal of turbinate bulk from the back part of the turbinate and a quicker healing time than other techniques. Powered inferior turbinoplasty is performed in a surgery center as a twenty-minute outpatient procedure.
 Coblation® of the inferior turbinates is performed by inserting a radiofrequency probe underneath the turbinate mucus membrane to shrink the underlying tissue. This ten-minute procedure has the advantage of being able to be performed in an office setting.
Both Coblation and powered inferior turbinoplasty are associated with minimal discomfort post-operatively. These procedures can produce a dramatic improvement in nasal breathing for patients who have previously been unable to get relief. They are also helpful for patients who have difficulty utilizing CPAP for their sleep apnea secondary to nasal obstruction.
For more information on Coblation® of the inferior turbinates click here
www.entec.net
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Causes of Nasal Obstruction l Medical Treatment l Inferior Turbinoplasty l Septoplasty
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