Part 4

Surgical procedures to unblock a nose

​

How to diagnose a blocked nose

Before considering surgical treatment, you need to be examined by a doctor, preferably one who has training in Ear, Nose and Throat medicine, and one who has access to the full range of kit required, including flexible direct nasal endoscopy, skin prick and blood allergy testing, CT and MRI scanning. 

​

Blocked nose and the NHS

The NHS is still offering nose unblocking surgery, although this situation may soon change. Usually though, it will not be counted as urgent and the wait for clinic appointments and subsequent surgery can be many months. 
 

Surgical procedures to unblock a nose

We like to keep things simple, and where possible do all surgery under local anaesthetic in clinic. Lasers are very helpful in this as they allow quick and bloodless treatment.

 

Laser turbinoplasty

This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in clinic. We use the Holmium-YAG laser which is quick and bloodless. The inferior turbinate of the nose is numbed using a combination of numbing spray and a numbing injection (the same as a tooth  numbing injection but less uncomfortable). The laser treatment time is around 20 seconds. There is usually no bleeding and the patient can return to work straight away afterwards. Cost is £950 for one side. If the other side needs treating at a later date, that is £750.

On occasion a general anaesthetic is used, so that both sides can be done at the same time.

​

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is another operation under general anaesthetic as a day case. It is performed in order to straighten the cartilage separating both sides of the nose - the nasal septum. It is not a painful procedure, generally no packing is used inside the nose once the operation is complete, but the nose does feel congested for a week or so post operatively. 2-3 days off work are required. The cost is £3500.

 

Endoscopic Nasal Polypectomy

This is an operation performed to safely and effectively remove swollen mucosa called polyps, from the nose. It needs to be performed in conjunction with intensive anti inflammatory medication in the form of sprays, tablets and depot injections. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic using telescopes inside the nose to get a good view. It is a day case, not painful and usually no nasal packing is required after the operation is complete. 2 or 3 days off work are required. The cost is £3500.

​