Surgery: What to Expect – Powered Septoplasty With Turbinoplasty

An ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) specialises in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. This is the medical professional who performs a powered septoplasty with turbinoplasty. You’ll discuss with him or her if this procedure is the best surgical treatment for the blockage in your nose.

Before Surgery

You’ll meet with your healthcare team before the operation, and they’ll answer any questions you may have. The anaesthetist will ask about your medical history and develop an anaesthetic plan. He or she will discuss the plan with you and answer your questions.

During Surgery

This procedure is generally done under general anaesthetic. It typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your condition. During surgery, your ENT surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into your nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has an excellent view of your septum and turbinates. Small surgical instruments are passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube.

With these instruments, your surgeon corrects the deviation in your septum and reduces the enlarged turbinates. This procedure removes the blockage in your nose to help you breathe more freely and improve drainage.

After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, you’ll be in a recovery room and monitored for about an hour or so. This is to make sure there are no complications. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to stay in hospital.

Before you leave the hospital, you’ll get important instructions on how to care for your nose while it’s healing, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Your doctor may also give you several prescriptions, including one for pain medication, in case you need it.

If you have any questions or concerns before and after surgery, be sure to ask your doctor.

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