Turbinal surgery in Turkey: Cost of nasal obstruction treatment 2024

What is turbinate surgery?

The nasal turbinates are small bony structures covered with mucus that are located inside the nose. Their role is to filter, warm, and humidify the air we breathe.

Turbinate surgery is usually performed when the turbinates are enlarged, meaning they are excessively swollen or enlarged, causing breathing problems such as nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, or frequent nosebleeds. The decision to perform this surgery is based on persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment, medical evaluation by an otolaryngologist, failure of conservative treatment, and the impact on the patient's quality of life. A detailed discussion with the physician is essential to understand the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes.

Turbinectomy or Turbinoplasty in Turkey?

Turbinectomy and turbinoplasty are two types of surgical procedures used to treat enlargement of the turbinates, the structures inside the nasal cavity.

Turbinoplasty procedure

Turbinoplasty is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of the turbinates without removing them completely. It can be performed in a variety of ways, including with a laser, radiofrequency device, or traditional surgical tools.

The goal of turbinoplasty is to restore normal nasal breathing by improving airflow through the nasal cavity. This procedure is usually used when the turbinates are enlarged, but their volume must be maintained to preserve their air-filtering, warming, and humidifying functions.

Turbinectomy procedure

A turbinectomy is the partial or complete removal of the enlarged turbinates. In a partial turbinectomy, a portion of the turbinates is removed, leaving a portion intact to maintain certain functions. In a total turbinectomy, the turbinates are removed completely. However, total turbinectomy is less commonly performed today because of the increased risk of side effects such as dry nose, persistent nasal obstruction, and nasal congestion.

Results of Turbinate Surgery in Turkey

The results of turbinate surgery in Turkey can vary from person to person depending on several factors such as the extent of turbinate enlargement, the surgical technique used, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient's response to the procedure. The main goal of this surgery is to relieve nasal obstruction and improve breathing. Many patients experience a significant improvement in their ability to breathe through their nose after the procedure.

Turbinate surgery also aims to reduce chronic nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe and reducing feelings of tightness. Sleep problems related to nasal obstruction, such as snoring, sleep apnea, and nocturnal breathing interruptions, may also improve after successful turbinate surgery.

Other symptoms associated with nasal obstruction, such as headaches, nasal dryness, recurrent sinusitis, and frequent respiratory infections, can also be reduced with this procedure.

By improving symptoms and nasal breathing, turbinate surgery can have a positive impact on patients' overall quality of life. They can breathe easier, sleep more soundly, and participate in daily activities without discomfort.

Possible risks and complications of turbinate surgery

It is important to note that results may vary and that there are certain risks and complications associated with turbinate surgery, including bleeding, infection, excessive dryness of the nose, or temporary changes in the sense of smell.

It is important to discuss in detail with your doctor the realistic expectations, benefits, and potential risks of turbinate surgery for your specific medical situation.