Contrary to what you might suspect, as an empty nose syndrome (ENS) sufferer, I believe some turbinate surgeries are fine and patients should considering having them. Yet I strongly maintain that all non-surgical remedies should be exhausted prior to undergoing surgery. I further believe that second opinions are wise and that you should have good rapport with your doctor and an open discussion of how the surgery will affect the mucosa of the turbinates (inner nasal tissue) prior to undergoing nasal surgery. These are essentials ? that is, if you want to be informed and empowered.

I also believe it is important to understand the different types of turbinate surgeries because most doctors will tell you that their turbinate surgeries are safe, even if they are not. Some doctors are certainly correct in their assertions, and hopefully will lead to few ENS patients in their careers, but others aren't. You need to be informed. It's that simple.

Below are six types of turbinate surgeries, with very brief descriptions, for you to ponder:

1) Submucous resection. A submucous resection procedure is used to either 1) remove part of the turbinate bone while not tampering with overlying flaps of mucosa, or 2) remove vascular space tissue, which might be enlarged in patients with drug-induced rhinitis or sleep apnea.

2) Submucous resection with outfracture. In addition to submucous resection, this procedure includes fracturing (breaking) the turbinate bone and then applying pressure on the bone to move it to the side or lateral wall of the nose.

3) Electrocautery - Use of electric currents with heat to reduce the size of the turbinate.

4) Radiofrequency ? Use of heat to induce submucosal tissue destruction.

5) Total and partial turbinectomy ? Removal of an entire turbinate (s) or two-thirds of the turbinates.

6) Laser Surgery ? Shooting of a laser beam that is absorbed by the turbinate tissue, causing it to evaporate.

Clearly, a thorough discussion of what precisely will be done and how it will affect the mucosa of the turbinates must take place before any type of nasal surgery. If you are considering nasal surgery, stay informed and be empowered. Doing otherwise could be catastrophic. Or, if informed, your surgery could change your life for the better. But it's up to you.

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