53070 - Unilateral Submucous Turbinate Resection

The need for submucous resection of the turbinates, unilateral, arises when a patient has a hypertrophied nasal turbinate on one side—often due to chronic inflammation, allergies, or structural issues—causing nasal obstruction, snoring, or sinus problems, requiring surgical reduction of the submucosal tissue under anesthesia in a hospital while preserving the mucosal surface to restore airflow and minimize complications. This procedure is indicated for unilateral turbinate issues needing a conservative approach, critical in the maxillofacial region where nasal function affects breathing and sinus health.

Several scenarios necessitate this intervention:

• Chronic inflammation: Persistent rhinitis might thicken the submucosa of one turbinate, blocking airflow and requiring resection to reduce size without damaging the mucosa.
• Allergic swelling: Unilateral turbinate hypertrophy from allergies could cause breathing difficulty or sinus pressure, prompting submucous resection to alleviate obstruction.
• Structural asymmetry: A naturally oversized turbinate on one side might impair nasal breathing, needing reduction to balance airflow while maintaining mucosal protection.
• Sinus drainage: Turbinate overgrowth blocking sinus openings could lead to infections, requiring resection to improve drainage and reduce sinusitis.

For instance, a patient with chronic nasal stuffiness on the right side due to a swollen turbinate might undergo submucous resection to improve breathing without risking excessive dryness from mucosal loss, performed under anesthesia for accuracy. In an aged care context, an elderly patient with unilateral nasal obstruction causing sleep issues could benefit from this to enhance oxygenation, adjusted for their frailty and sensitivity to nasal changes. By targeting the submucosal layer, this service reduces turbinate size, restores nasal function, and preserves mucosal integrity, making it a precise and effective solution for unilateral turbinate hypertrophy within the maxillofacial framework.

Improves nasal breathing, reduces obstruction, and maintains mucosal health.

Recovery of 2-3 weeks with nasal swelling and crusting; hospital stay typically required.