“Cautery of the nasal mucosa helps patients with chronic rhinitis. Many have heard of this method but know little about its essence. Doctors often refer to it by more complex terms; in reality, it's not exactly ‘cauterization’ of the mucosa in the simple sense of the word. In practice, it’s a surgical procedure without incisions that creates a wider passage for normal breathing, which is why the technique is commonly referred to as nasal cautery.”
What is the purpose of "mucosal cauterization" (nasal turbinate vasotomy)?
The main goal is to reduce the volume of the inferior turbinates by influencing the vessels of the nasal cavity. Most often, modern medical equipment, such as a laser or coagulator, is used to perform the procedure. The technique's name depends on the surgical instrument used.
For example, this could be a laser or radio wave (coagulation) vasotomy of the inferior nasal turbinates.
This surgical approach is entirely justified if the patient:
Suffers from chronic rhinitis ;
He lacks adequate nasal breathing.
In this case, all types of specific rhinitis are excluded (for example, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis of pregnant women, etc.);
The disease has a long course and does not respond to conservative therapy for 6-12 months (courses of corticosteroid nasal spray in combination with other drugs were completed).
This technique is also used for recurrent nosebleeds; it is called “coagulation of the bleeding vessel.” In some cases, the technique is also applicable to patients with allergic rhinitis. Such studies have already been conducted, and publications are showing positive, but usually temporary, results.
Is special preparation and hospitalization required?
Hospitalization is not required; the patient will be discharged immediately after the procedure. Before the procedure, doctors may request several important tests and ask about allergies and other medical conditions.
The procedure is short —about 30 minutes, including local anesthesia. It does not require nasal packing, making the postoperative period very gentle.
After the procedure, the doctor should provide instructions on how to care for your nose at home to ensure the effect is as lasting as possible and the healing period in the nose does not cause much discomfort.
Who is contraindicated for this technique?
There are several key points here.
If the patient currently has an acute respiratory viral infection, the intervention will have to be postponed until recovery.
If the patient has an allergy to local anesthetics, this must be discussed with the doctor in advance.
The same applies to blood clotting disorders - this is most often a contraindication due to the high risk of postoperative bleeding, so this should also be discussed with a specialist.
In case of atrophic changes in the nasal cavity, intervention is not recommended, so as not to aggravate the situation.
If the patient is pregnant, the procedure will have to be postponed; it can be rescheduled after childbirth.
When the technique doesn't work
If an instrumental examination or CT scan reveals an anatomically significant curvature of the nasal septum that requires surgical correction, then in this case, the technique will either have a short-term effect or will not help at all.
What is important to remember
The most important thing is to treat the nasal mucosa with care. The nasal cavity is lined with mucous membranes, which have a vital physiological protective mechanism—mucociliary clearance. This mechanism helps to retain almost all the particles and microbes we inhale, and the main assistants, the “ciliated cells,” contracting about 1000 times per minute, remove everything unn. When administering any nasal drops without a doctor's prescription or performing certain procedures, remember and think about your nose first. To avoid disrupting your body's functions, any surgical intervention in the nasal cavity should be performed using the safest and most proven techniques.
Nasal mucosal cauterization
Nasal mucosal cauterization (coagulation) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to reduce hypertrophied nasal mucosa. Inability or difficulty breathing through the nose is a problem that always accompanies chronic rhinitis. In such cases, patients sometimes become dependent on vasoconstrictors. Nasal mucosal cauterization evaporates the network of vessels located between the epithelium and the bones. Swelling subsides, and nasal breathing is restored. The procedure also helps manage frequent nosebleeds, vasomotor rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis.
Indications
Chronic rhinitis that does not respond to other treatment options;
Inability to breathe through the nose without the use of vasoconstrictor drugs;
Recurrent nosebleeds;
Hypertrophy (enlargement) of the mucous membrane;
Mucosal atrophy.
Methods of mucosal cauterization
Silver cauterization
This method is rarely used today due to its painful nature. It is indicated for mild nosebleeds. The active ingredients are silver nitrate, trichloroacetic acid, and chromic anhydride.
Cryocoagulation
The active ingredient is liquid nitrogen. It acts gently and painlessly, quickly restores blood vessels and mucous membranes, and leaves no scars.
Electrocoagulation
Cauterization is performed using an electric current. The power level is individually adjusted for each patient and is set on the electrocoagulation equipment. The electric current does not damage nearby tissue.
Laser cauterization
It uses laser energy. It's a completely harmless and non-invasive method. The mucous membrane heals very quickly, without scarring.
Radiosurgical cauterization (gamma knife)
Compared to other methods, this method is the most effective, safest, and has the fastest recovery, but also the most expensive. It is performed only with specialized medical equipment.
The benefits of Nasal Mucosal Cauterization
Do not require general anesthesia; local anesthesia is used.
The therapeutic effect is directed precisely at the area of pathology, without damaging the surrounding tissues.
No special preparation required;
Recovery is quick and does not require hospitalization.
Best ENT Surgeon Recommendations After the Procedure
To ensure successful rehabilitation after coagulation, you must adhere to the following rules:
Do not blow your nose for a certain period of time (usually several days);
Avoid any stress on the nasal bone (including not wearing glasses);
Do not apply anything that may affect the mucous membrane (even for cleansing crusty formations).
You can ask about the cost of nasal mucosal cauterization at our consultant ENT private clinic. Contact our ENT specialist West Yorkshire team today to learn more about nasal cautery and schedule your appointment.
