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Does A Turbinate Reduction Surgery Cause Empty Nose Syndrome?

Posted on Thu, 5 Mar 2015

Question: I just had a turbinate reduction surgery. My doctor told me she removed all my abnormal inferior turbinate in my both sides of nose. She said most of my inferior turbinate is gone now. I am worried that I may develop empty nose syndrome. She said I wouldn't. i don't know if it is true

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry!

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Empty nose syndrome happens when there is large roomy nose with gross resection of inferior and middle turbinates with or without wide opening of both osteomeatal complexes.

Normally, 25% of the turbinate is resected during the surgery. Do not worry! It is very unusual that a surgeon resects the whole turbinate, unless done by an inexperienced surgeon. Surgeons are also wary of the post operative complications. Hence, have faith in your doctor and wait for few more weeks and see how it works for you.

If you are still apprehensive about the procedure done by your doctor, please post the images of the interior of the nose, so that, I can guide you accordingly.

Meanwhile, you need to drink adequate amounts of water and use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible. Avoid smoking.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (7 minutes later)

She said my turbinate is actually benign tumor according to the biopsy she took. I don't understand how my turbinate developed to tumor. She said it is really rare. She said basically I don't have inferior turbinate now and the reason she gave why i wouldn't have Empty Nose because I still have my middle and upper ones. I feel a little burning now around the area between my nose and throat. I doubt if that is a start for empty nose syndrome. Meanwhile=, how should I take photos of my inside nose.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide the histopathology report of the biopsy...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back and I sincerely apologize for the delay in answering the follow up query.

1. It would be of an immense help if you could provide the details of the histopathological report. Very few benign tumors are there which can affect the turbinates. Hence, a supportive document of the same will guide us in further management.

2. Is the turbinate resected on one side or both the sides?

3. Do not worry! 'Empty nose syndrome' does not start immediately. It takes few months to years to develop.

4. Your doctor would have done the nasal endoscopy after the surgery. Request your doctor to provide either images or video of the same. Normal photos will not show details inside the nose.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari