Submucous Resection
Submucous Resection is type of surgery that is performed to reduce the size of the nose's inferior turbinates.
Some facts about Submucous Resection:
- Unnecessary tissue from the nose's filters, also called enlarged turbinates can be eliminated by performing Submucous Resection.
- Proper breathing as well as drainage of mucous from the sinus is prevented because of turbinates with excess tissue.
- Excessive turbinate tissue can also cause aches, sinusitis and pains.
- A submucosal resection operation should be undertaken when the tissues in the inferior turbinates interfere with both of the nasal cavities.
- Patients who have enlarged turbinates that cause complicating symptoms with breathing may require a Submucous Resection.
- It is performed alongside the septoplasty to help the patient breathe better.
- The turbinates inside the nostril work to humidify and warm the air that we breathe in.
- It is known as the inferior turbinate when the turbinate closest to the bottom of your nose, which can become enlarged making breathing through the nose more difficult.
- Allergy and sinus medications are used as the first line of treatment to treat your nasal breathing problem.
Preparation for Submucous Resection:
- Your doctor will be informed about your medical history such as about conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medications or supplements that you are taking.
- A physical examination will be conducted by your doctor including any relevant tests to inspect your skin and the inside and outside of your nose.
- Photographs of your nose from different angles will be taken to use these for discussion before Submucous Resection or for reference during and after surgery.
- Medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) should be before and after surgery as these medications may increase bleeding.
- Stop smoking if you smoke as smoking can increase your risk of having problems during and after surgery and also can slow the healing process.
Procedure for Submucous Resection:
- Submucous Resection is usually conducted with the help of an anesthetic.
- Packing is put inside of the patient's nose by the surgeon. It will not require a splint unless a septoplasty is being performed at the same time.
- An incision will be made inside the nose and a tiny spinning blade is used to cut away the extra tissue.
- The investing mucoperichondrial flaps are elevated for removal of bone and septal cartilage that becomes obstructive.
- Vascular tissues as well as bone from the inferior turbinate will be suction out by using a microdebrider.
- A submucosal resection is known as a 'function preserving technique' as the mucosa is preserved during this process.
- Patients who undergo the procedure will still have the risk symptoms of ENS.
- The turbinates are typically outfractured once the submucosal resection is completed.
- Patients should only eat very soft foods that are cold after the surgery as it will help to stop nose bleeds.
- Short lived bleeding as well as the hardening of blood during the healing process are side effects of a submucosal resection.
- Burning sensation, commonly called 'dry nose' may sometimes occur after the surgery which can result in an infection as well as pain and irritation.
- Dry nose or atrophic rhinitis occurs when too much functional tissue is removed during a a submucosal resection operation.
