Conchotomy
Conchotomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve obstruction caused by excessive enlargement of the nasal turbinates, which are located in the nasal cavity and play an important role in breathing. Enlarged turbinates can result in chronic nasal congestion, snoring at night, mouth breathing, and recurrent sinus infections. Conchotomy is an effective treatment that provides long-lasting results in these cases.
The purpose of conchotomy:
- To relieve chronic nasal congestion
- To reduce nighttime snoring and breathing difficulties
- To restore normal nasal breathing by eliminating the habit of mouth breathing
- To improve allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis that does not respond to medical treatment
Procedure and recovery process:
Conchotomy is usually performed endoscopically under general or local anesthesia. Only the excessively enlarged portions of the nasal turbinates are removed or reduced using specialized instruments. As the procedure is performed through the nostrils with fine endoscopic instruments, no external incision is made and there are no aesthetic concerns.
The procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes, and in most cases the patient is discharged home the same day. Recovery usually takes a few days, during which mild nasal discharge, dryness, and changes in breathing may be experienced. Complete healing generally occurs within 1–2 weeks.
Benefits of conchotomy:
- Restoration of normal breathing function
- Improved nighttime sleep and quality of life
- Long-lasting, stable results
- Maximum effect with minimal intervention to the nasal anatomy
Conchotomy may also be used as an adjunctive treatment, particularly in cases accompanied by a deviated nasal septum (septal deviation) and chronic sinusitis. Performed using modern technologies, it is a safe and comfortable procedure for patients.