What Is A Turbinate Reduction?

Posted on Fri, 9 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently had sinus surgery that "opened" my passages more, corrected a deviated septum, removed a polyp back on July 26th, 2016. I have had great success on my right side; however the left side (polyp and septum issues) still has been horrible. i am scheduled for another surgery on Monday to remove the "fungus ball" and my doctor is wanting to remove my middle turbinate. I cannot find enough information on this online and am having trouble nailing down my surgeon for a better explanation. the only thing i can find on turbinate removal brings me to empty nose syndrome. i dont think i'm conforatble with this and want to know the actual benefits of removal. i have an appointment tomorrow to ask face to face but i have a feeling i will be rushed out again and not have full answers. i'm at a loss on if i want to proceed with this.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait for 4 to 6 months. Medication only.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. It is too early to operate again. Internal healing takes many weeks and up to 4 to 6 months following surgery.

2. Upload any previous CT scam images. Insist on a repeat Sinus CT before any further surgical intervention and upload the images here.

3. Medication including OTC decongestants should open up the nose.

4. The middle turbinate will require surgery only if there is a concha bullosa. Otherwise it should be preserved. Removal of a fungal ball can wait.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar