Turbinate reduction

The turbinates are natural structures in the nose, that help humidify, warm up, and filter the air you breathe. They can at times become large enough to obstruct your breathing. This surgery reduces the size of the turbinates, while attempting to preserve their function. They may enlarge again over time.

There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.

General risks

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room.
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is rare but possible.

Specific risks

• Bleeding. This may occur during the first few weeks after surgery and is usually minor. Rarely, the bleeding may require packing of the nose or may require another operation to stop the bleeding. A transfusion is rarely necessary
• Scar tissue of crusting inside the nose.
• Infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics
• Blockage of the airways, which will need readmission to hospital.
• Swelling of the inferior turbinates, causing blockage of the nose.
• Failure to unblock nose.