[Kenv]

I have been surfing the internet in search of anything that will help me overcome my enlarged turbinates rather than have Laser surgery which is not 100% effective and can even make things worse (so I am told).
I have found this website http://www.entcolumbia.org/somnop.htm - it really is interesting as this procedure can be helpful for OSA and having turbinates reduced. I also found that a study had been carried out here in New Zealand which showed the procedure to be very effective http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:Bhzs ... asty&hl=en
I wonder if anyone here has had this procedure and if so how did it work out?
Thanks Ken

[gar729]

Hi Kenv,
I had a somnoplasty done by my ENT Dr. as a treatment for severe snoring. I wasn't diagnosed for sleep apnea at that point but had been told that I really had to "work hard" to sleep. Anyway the procedure itself was very painful even with novacaine and the end result was less than positive. My snoring was still "world class" only several pitches higher than what it was. My ENT originally stated that sometimes two procedures may be nessesary, all covered under the one $1500. charge. After the first procedure he was unwilling to do a second. So it was all for nothing. I would never recommend a somnoplasty to anyone, Even if you did get relief, it's only temporary, your body will heal the scar tissue the somnoplasty creates and your back to the beginning again. Mine totally reversed it's in less than a year.
Maybe the technology is better now (mine was about 5 years ago), but I would ask for patient recommendations from whatever Dr. you use. See how many they have done and how many patients are happy with this procedure.
For me the only thing in somNOplasty that makes sense is NO.
Good Luck- Gary

[Kenv]

Oh Boy! I feel like I've just been stood on. Thanks very much Gary, I must say that it does not look at all positive - back to the drawing board I guess!
Ken

[gar729]

Kenv, You know,all that said, I wonder if my Dr. new what he was doing. I didn't ask questions I just did it! I wonder if this was just a money maker for him, i.e. $1500 for 20 min. work. Was he using the correct anesthesia? If he would have done a second procedure would that have made a difference? The pain during and after was very bad, but if somnoplasty worked I'd do it in a heart beat. Don't let me talk you out of at least checking it out. I would love to know if the procedure has evolved into something more successful.
Gary

[Kenv]

Gary, the people who do it here do it for Snoring only and I'm not sure the results are that great anyway. I'm really looking for some way of getting my turbinates reduced which would help me a lot. I'm a bit scared of surgery, I keep getting told that it doesn't always work but I don't know if it just doesn't help or if it makes one worse - I'll keep on plugging.
Thanks
Ken

[Kenv]

Gary I have now found a site which uses controlled radiofrequency specifically for the reduction of turbinates. It seems to be connected to Standford University - this is the site http://www.sleepsurgery.com/turbinate.html
I don't think we have anything this specific here in NZ but I think I might try the Snoring people as they did refer to reducing the turbinates to control snoring.
Ken

[Jere]

Kenv -

I had somnoplasty done and it worked for me. It took a few tries, but now - several years later - I am breathing at least 100% better and it is holding. Of course, this had nothing to do with OSA (as far as I know), but it was worth it just to be able to breathe normally again. I am no fan of surgery but it was at the point where I had no choice.

Would do it again in a heart beat.

[rested gal]

Kenv, check out the experiences of quite a few people who have posted
about various types of Turbinate reduction procedures. You'll need
to scroll about halfway down the page to get to the turbinate topics:

LINKS to surgery, turbinates, Pillar, TAP experiences

[snork1]

Good links as always from Rested Gal!

I can't see how reducing the turbinates would help with OSA. BUT, I did have my turbinates reduced and a bunch of other work done to open my nose and I was extremely glad I had it done to get CPAP working properly and greatly reduce the required pressure.

The trick is finding a GOOD ENT to do the job.

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Additional Comments: also: Swift, nellcor N-395, 5-10cm, ONLY TAP Titanium since 7/17/2006

[dkeat]

I went over this thread with a fine tooth comb, looked at all the links that Rested Girl made available and have a bit of an idea of what we are talking about here. The subject is rather timely for me, as I have had difficulty using the Aura Mask due to a deviated septum and nasal membranes that close off my nose whenever I try to lie on my side. I need to keep the pressure uncomfortably high to keep my nose splinted open.

I have a few questions:

1. is this turbinate reduction the handling for a deviated septum or do I have the two things confused?

2. This Radio Frequency treatment sounds a damn sight better than having someone sawing around in your head. Apparently it is done in the doctor's office and is not unlike the discomfort associated with say, major dental work. The after effects are also quite a bit less severe.

I would love to hear from more people who have had this procedure.

I have an appointment to see a surgeon mid January for a consultation and I would like to get as much information as possible beforehand.

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[Swordz]

You will definitely get alot of good info for those specific treatments here, including from Snork1 and also myself. We both have undergone those treatments, septoplasty and turbinate reduction (correct me if wrong Snork!).

I actually got my done last wk, and still recovering.

"1. is this turbinate reduction the handling for a deviated septum or do I have the two things confused? "

The two procedures are seperate, but it seems most people get both done. The septum is what divides the nostrils, and basically gets straightened if it tends to block one side of the nose. In people who have a deviated septum, one side of the nose is wider than normal and one is narrower. Mine was not really bad, but got it done anyways.

Turbinates are inside the nasal cavities, and will be reduced if they are enlarged and cause blockage of the airway. I had 100% blockage in my right nostril, and much less in my left nostril. They can either reduce them with scalpel/coblation, or 'shrink' them with RF treatment.

"2. This Radio Frequency treatment sounds a damn sight better than having someone sawing around in your head. Apparently it is done in the doctor's office and is not unlike the discomfort associated with say, major dental work. The after effects are also quite a bit less severe. "

I can't comment on RF, but i've read that from several people that you usually have to go more than once to see results. Also can't comment on the after effects of RF, but the recovery of surgery really isnt bad. I was back on campus and going to classes within a wk. I had both surgeries on the 18th, and will probably be fully healed within the week.

Ask if you got any more ?'s, and annoy Snork1 until you get some answers!

[Swordz]

I can't see how reducing the turbinates would help with OSA. BUT, I did have my turbinates reduced and a bunch of other work done to open my nose and I was extremely glad I had it done to get CPAP working properly and greatly reduce the required pressure.

I have heard of a few times where a reduction in AHI is seen, but nothing really drastic. I think its more of the point that you correcting a problem that has to be dealt with for any treatment to work: breathing properly. Like you said, it helped reduced your pressure and I'd say for some people that's a great relief!

The trick is finding a GOOD ENT to do the job.

So, so, so true. I think it is helpful to find an ENT whom specializes in apnea treatment, so that he can put the whole picture in perspective for you. My ENT has been quite helpful and is also keeping up with how my dental device does.

Can i get an AMEN for good docs!

[snork1]

Hey SwordZ, its sounds like you are feeling better and getting off the painkillers!

I had a good ENT and a 3 hour surgery that had the doctor literally running out of space on the form for listing the procedures. It included a somnoplasty, turbinate reduction, deviated septum....heck I am not a doctor...It was a "Bunch of Stuff". My sinuses were impacted to the point of being possibly life threatening eventually.

I asked the ENT about RF ablation, but she said it would be easier to nip and tuck while in there for everything else, rather then go in a few times with the RF zapper, which might be ok IF that was all you were having done.

If your ENT glances up your nose and starts talking surgery, run, do not walk out of the office. They should AT LEAST do the fiber scope check through your nose down to your throat and a CT scan(or similar) of the sinuses.

I also discussed things like Pillar implants, UPPP and MMA with my ENT but she was AGAINST going any further with surgery unless CPAP would not work for me. I thought this was a good sign that the doc wasn't knife happy.

I still firmly believe...If your nose doesn't work, CPAP won't work.

_________________

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Additional Comments: also: Swift, nellcor N-395, 5-10cm, ONLY TAP Titanium since 7/17/2006

[dkeat]

Thanks for all the information Swordz. I have an appointment on January 17th for a consultation. I'm not sure what he will suggest. I guess I will take it from there. Maybe I'll get back to you. Thanks again.

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[meister]

Most painful surgery that I ever had and I have had 10 surgeries!
Kidney, hip, back surgeries were a breeze compared to the nose
job. It lasted a couple of years, but it took me about 6 months
to recover from the surgery. Now the tissues have all grown back,
and the ENT wants to redo the surgery. You are better off waging
the constant battle with nasal irrigator and working with an allergy
specialist to see if you can do allergy shots and nasal steroids to
keep the holes open. I added a HEPA filter to my PAP and it
helps keep me open during the night, as I am very allergic to
dogs and dust mites. We have 2 dogs and around 2 billion dust
mites (just in my bedroom alone!). Unless your septum is really
deviated, I would recommend skipping this punishment/torture
for just "temporary" relief. My guy used a knife. Maybe the new
laser stuff is better. If they cut too much out, you will never
recover, and will be "dried out" in your sinuses forever! Run!!