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What is a submucous resection?

Author

Carter Sullivan

Updated on March 11, 2026

What is a submucous resection?

Definition. A submucosal resection of the turbinate is removal of bone from the lower turbinates. The turbinates are 3 sets of structures that line the inside wall of the nasal cavity. They are made of small bones that are surrounded by soft tissue. These turbinates filter, moisten, and heat air as it enters the nose.

Likewise, people ask, what is the difference between septoplasty and submucous resection?

Indications for Septoplasty and/or SMR: A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum whereas a submucous resection (SMR) of the turbinates is a surgical procedure to remove excess tissue from enlarged turbinates (filters of the nose).

Similarly, how painful is turbinate reduction? Recovering From Turbinate Reduction

There never really is any pain or problems with your sense of smell when this procedure is performed by Dr. Cohen. Most patients resume normal activity the next day after the procedure, however blowing your nose and exercise are to be avoided for 3 days following the procedure.

Regarding this, what is Submucous resection of septum?

A submucosal resection is a surgical procedure that rectifies a nasal septum that has been deviated. The operation is performed to eliminate unnecessary tissue from the nose's filters, also called enlarged turbinates.

How is a turbinate reduction performed?

Radiofrequency turbinate reduction is a procedure in which a needle-like instrument is inserted into the turbinate and energy is transmitted to the tissue to cause a controlled damage, so by the time healing process occurs, the turbinates will be reduced, allowing improved airflow through the nose.

What is a Turbinectomy surgery?

Turbinectomy is a partial or complete resection of the inferior turbinate with or without the guidance of an endoscope. The microdebrider instrument is often used in this procedure in order to remove some of the soft tissue component, and the debrider can be used even in the more complex cases of bony hypertrophy.

How is endoscopic sinus surgery done?

In endoscopic sinus surgery, an endoscope is inserted into the nose, providing the doctor with an inside view of the sinuses. Surgical instruments are inserted alongside the endoscope.

Which one is better septoplasty or SMR?

while in 1.41%, 0.0%, 4.23% and 2.82% respectively after septoplasty (group A). Conclusion: This study concluded that septoplasty is better than submucous resection (SMR) in terms of complication rate in the deviated nasal septum.

What is the surgery called for a deviated septum?

Surgery to fix a crooked (or deviated) septum, called septoplasty, allows better airflow through the nose and may improve breathing. The septum is the cartilage that divides the nose into two nostrils. Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, so most patients can go home the day of surgery.

Is turbinate reduction necessary?

When patients constantly feel as if they are congested and stuffy, they may be in need of turbinate reduction to open these nasal airways once again to re-establish normal breathing. Inferior turbinates may become permanently enlarged and thickened often by chronic inhalant allergic stimulation or a deviated septum.

Is deviated septum surgery outpatient?

Surgery to fix a crooked (or deviated) septum, called septoplasty, allows better airflow through the nose and may improve breathing. The septum is the cartilage that divides the nose into two nostrils. Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, so most patients can go home the day of surgery.

Is submucosal resection safe?

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like: Bleeding. Infection.

What is the nasal septum made of?

The Septum. The nasal septum is the key midline support structure of the nose and is composed of the quadrilateral cartilage, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and vomer bone (Figure 6-4). The anterior septal cartilage develops as the unossified portion of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid.

What is a Cottle test?

The Cottle's maneuver (CM) is a test in which the cheek on the side to be evaluated is gently pulled laterally with one to two fingers to open the valve. This test is used to determine if the most significant site of nasal obstruction is at the valve or farther inside the nasal cavity.

Where are the turbinates?

Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that cleanse and humidify air that passes through the nostrils into the lungs.

What is Submucous diathermy?

Submucous diathermy (SMD) is a simple and effective way of carrying out reduction surgery on the hypertrophied inferior turbinate. It was found to be very effective in alleviating chronic nasal obstruction due to hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate. SMD of inferior turbinates was first documented in 1907.

What is saddle nose?

A saddle-nose deformity is most visibly characterized by a loss of nasal dorsal height. This deformity has also been described as a pug nose or boxer's nose, both of which refer to various degrees of nasal dorsal depression.

What is open nose syndrome?

A: Empty nose syndrome is a very unpleasant condition characterized by a wide open, dry nose that drips and feels blocked. Patients complain bitterly of nasal blockage while their physician insists that it is wide open. The nose appears dry and crusty on examination, but drains constantly.

What is a Killian incision?

An incision used for septoplasty and septal cartilage harvest. It is placed just beyond where the septum starts and is less destabilizing than a hemitransfixion or full transfixion incision.

How do you perform a septoplasty?

In a typical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision on one side of your nose to access the septum. They next lift up the mucous membrane, which is the protective covering of the septum. Then the deviated septum is moved into the right position. Any barriers, such as extra pieces of bone or cartilage, are removed.

How long will I bleed after turbinate reduction?

Bleeding: It is normal to have some bloody discharge for the first 3-5 days after sinus surgery, especially after you irrigate your sinuses. If steady bleeding occurs after surgery, tilt your head back slightly and breathe through your nose gently. You may dab your nose with tissue but avoid any nose blowing.

How do I know if I need turbinate reduction?

Turbinate reduction is usually indicated when enlargement obstructs other portions of the nose and airway causing disorders such as sleep apnea, congestion, postnasal drip, and difficulty breathing.

How long does it take to fully recover from turbinate reduction?

It will likely return to normal in 1 to 2 months. Most people can go back to work or school in about 1 week and to their normal routine in about 3 weeks. But this varies with your job and the extent of your surgery. You will probably feel fully recovered in 1 to 2 months.

What is the success rate of turbinate reduction surgery?

At 1 month postoperatively the overall success rate, as defined by patient satisfaction, was 82%, but this declined steadily with time to 60% at 3 months, 54% at 1 year and 41% at 1-16 years. There was no significant difference found in the success rates between methods of turbinate reduction used.

What should I eat after turbinate reduction?

Septoplasty and/or Turbinate Reduction

There are no restrictions on diet. Eat or drink whatever feels comfortable, but you might find that clear fluids and soft foods are more easily tolerated for the first 24 hours.

How safe is turbinate reduction surgery?

Turbinate reduction surgery is very safe, especially when it's performed by a board-certified ear, nose and throat physician. However, all surgeries carry some degree of risk, and a turbinate reduction is no different. These risks include: Infection and excessive bleeding.

Can you breathe through your nose after turbinate reduction?

Most of the time complete healing in your nose is complete within 3-4 weeks. However, if you're experiencing difficulty breathing, uncontrollable nosebleeds, or colored nasal discharge more than a week after your procedure, it's time to call your doctor.

Is turbinate reduction surgery permanent?

The long-term results are not encouraging, however, as the effects of turbinate reduction are not permanent.

How long does pain last after turbinate reduction?

This causes scar tissue to form, shrinking the turbinate. The procedure takes around 12-20 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia. Patients can go home after the surgery and return to their normal activities. Pain and swelling associated with the procedure may be present, but this resolves in a few days.

What is the best method for turbinate reduction?

BEST PRACTICE

Of conventional inferior turbinate reduction techniques, submucosal resection combined with lateral displacement is the most effective at decreasing nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

What causes turbinates to enlarge?

The turbinates are thin, bony plates inside your nose. Allergies or a lengthy cold can irritate them and cause them to swell, or enlarge. The swelling makes it hard for you to breathe. Another cause of the swelling is overuse of decongestant nasal sprays.