surgical

Last edited 02/2022

Surgical treatment may be contemplated if medical treatment is unsuccessful, e.g., if a patient presents with grossly enlarged turbinates. These may be reduced by submucosal diathermy, which leaves the mucous membranes intact and is preferable to methods such as electrocoagulation and cryosurgery.

Indications for surgery include:

  • nasal polyps
  • septal deviation
  • inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Should be reserved for patients with nasal airway obstruction and enlarged inferior turbinates who have failed medical management (1)

Reference:

  • 1. Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015;152(1Suppl):S1–43.