Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Font Size
A
A
A

Surgery Overview

Removal of nasal adhesions is a procedure to separate scar tissue within the nose that has become connected, or fused. Fused tissue is called an adhesion. Adhesions in the nose are also called synechiae. Adhesions are a common, usually minor, complication of nasal or sinus surgery and nasal packing. They also may develop because of trauma (for example, nose-picking or cocaine use) and such conditions as syphilis, tuberculosis, lupus, or sarcoidosis.

Adhesions form when two moist, opposing surfaces inside the nose heal together, causing a scar. They often form between the septum, which separates the nostrils, and one of the wavy structures inside the nose (inferior turbinate). Adhesions can make breathing difficult.

Recommended Related to Parenting

Ask the School Nurse: Parents' Top 9 Questions for Back to School

The back-to-school season can arouse dread in parents and kids alike, especially when it comes to sickness and health. Aside from marking the end of summer's lazy days, "back to school" signals the start of a crazy time for many families, a time during which we scramble to update immunizations, re-establish more structured eating, television, and bedtime routines, and keep our kids healthy. To help you plan a healthy and anxiety-free school year, we spoke with Jean Grabeel, a registered and certified...

Read the Ask the School Nurse: Parents' Top 9 Questions for Back to School article > >

The procedure to remove adhesions usually is done in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. The doctor may apply an anesthetic to the skin, using spray or cotton, and inject local anesthetic. In rare cases, general anesthesia may be used.

The doctor may use a thin, lighted instrument (endoscope) to see into the nasal passages. He or she may use surgical scissors, a laser, or an instrument called a microdebrider to separate the fused tissue. The microdebrider has a rotating tip that shaves and removes inflamed tissue.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 09, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Hot Topics

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Which sex is the worst about washing up? Why is it so important? We’ve got the dirty truth on how and when to wash your hands.

Click here to watch video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Tick attached to skin
Symptoms and treatments.
Woman sitting in front of UV lights
Is yours working?
colon xray
Get the facts.
MS Overview
Recognizing symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis: Exercising
Tips to keep them strong.
Engaged bathroom stall sign
Vacation tips.
nurse helping woman on crutches
How much time to recover?
Doctor with blood sample
Treatments to consider.
Close up of eye
What's robbing your focus?
fruit drinks
Foods that can help you focus.
woman stretching
Must-see diet and fitness info.
mother with children in park
Parenting tips for every age.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.