Diathermy turbinoplasty Croydon

Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce enlarged nasal turbinates (conchae). In Top Medical Clinic Croydon our laryngologist performs turbinoplasty using high radiofrequency waves.

Nasal turbinates are natural structures of the nasal cavity located in its lower-lateral part. They are composed of bony skeleton covered with a mucous membrane (mucosa). Nasal turbinates play an important role in the normal nasal respiratory function. Their task is to filter the inhaled air, cleaning it and at the same time humidifying and heating. Unfortunately, in some cases the inferior nasal turbinates might become dysfunctional, which, taking into account their position within the nasal cavity, brings about some unpleasant symptoms.

How Diathermy turbinoplasty in Croydon can help?

Indications for the procedure include:

snoring and sleep apnea
rhinitis
difficulty in breathing through the nose due to enlarged turbinates
unilateral or bilateral loss of the sense of smell due to obstructed air flow through the nose
long-term disorders of the patency of the Eustachian tube
chronic inflammation within the sinuses, throat or larynx

What are the contraindications for the procedure?

taking blood thinning medications
severe cases of purpura
bad general condition
active respiratory tract infection
allergy to anaesthetics

What does the procedure look like?

Before the patient is qualified for turbinoplasty in Croydon, our specialist conducts a thorough laryngology examination to determine the size of nasal turbinates and the condition of the Eustachian tube, as well as to rule out possible septum deviation which might be accountable for the symptoms mentioned above.

The procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes and is performed in the office under local anaesthesia. Electrodes inserted underneath turbinate mucosa emit radiofrequency waves of particular length to cause coagulation in parts of the overgrown turbinate. Coagulation results in partial demarcation and fibrosis of nasal turbinates, which in turn leads to their reduction. Small bleeding which might accompany the procedure resolves spontaneously.

What are the post-treatment recommendations?

After the procedure patients may experience the feeling of a blocked nose and a watery discharge from the nose caused by the swollen mucosa. All these symptoms resolve after about a week. After the procedure it is best to rest, avoid blowing your nose and rinse the nasal cavity with saltwater or saline . In case of excessive bleeding the nose can be cooled down using cold compresses.

After radiofrequency conchoplasty the effect of improved breathing through the nose is not immediate, but appears over the next 2-3 weeks. If no improvement is observed, the procedure might be repeated after about 2 months.

What are the possible complications after the procedure?