What is a Septoplasty and a Bilteral Tubinectomy?

When a nasal septum is deviated it may partially block air flow in the nose. When a turbinate is enlarged it can also impair breathing. Sometimes surgery can improve the position of the septum (septoplasty) and also the size and position of the turbinates (turbinate resection or repositioning).  Noses need the septum for anatomic support so it is important to leave a strong and adequate portion. Likewise, turbinates are important in warming, humidification and filtering air so they should not be aggressively removed. Additional maneuvers may also improve airflow (spreader or batten grafts) by making key portions of the airway larger. An experienced nasal surgeon will explain the best options for each individual patient. 

Hi Sahra. Generally speaking, when nasal airway obstruction is thought to be at least partly due to physical obstruction, those two procedures can be undertaken either alone or in combination in an effort to improve nasal breathing. Septoplasty refers to removing or reshaping a portion of the cartilage component of the nasal septum that separates the right from the left nasal airway. It is typically performed when part of the nasal septum (due to a deviation or spur) obstructs the nasal airway and may contribute to nasal breathing obstruction. The turbinates are structures located on the interior sidewalls of the nose. Enlarged turbinates also can contribute to nasal airway obstruction. Turbinectomy generally refers to partial removal of the inferior turbinate(s). I hope that helps. Good luck. 

The turbinates are shelves of bone covered with mucous membranes inside the nose that humidify, filter, and warm the inspired air. When excessively large, the turbinates can cause nasal obstruction. The obstruction caused by turbinates typically fluctuates from one side to another. The turbinates can be surgically reduced to improve nasal obstruction.