What is the Vidian Nerve?
The vidian nerve is a nerve that controls secretions of the eye and the nose. It is sometimes overstimulated and can lead to symptoms of chronic rhinitis and nasal discharge. Symptoms may include chronic nasal dripping, sneezing, discharge, and/or watery eyes.
What is a Vidian Neurectomy?
Vidian neurectomy refers to severing/cutting the vidian nerve, to reduce stimulation of secretions within the nose. By removing this nerve, overall secretions within the nose are reduced.
What are the indications for a Vidian Neurectomy?
Vidian neurectomy is considered in patients that have chronic nasal discharge and runny nose that has not responded to other medical interventions. It is not an initial treatment of choice for chronic rhinitis. Patients that fail to respond to long standing nasal steroids, antihistamines, and irrigations may be candidates for a vidian neurectomy. It is important to rule out reversible and otherwise treatable causes of chronic rhinitis prior to considering undergoing a vidian neurectomy.
Who is a good candidate for a Vidian Neurectomy?
Patients that have not had success with medical management of their chronically runny nose may be good candidates for this procedure. Vidian neurectomy is typically reserved for patients that have non-allergic chronic rhinitis who have not seen results from topical and oral sprays. Patients with hormonal related causes to their runny nose (e.g. aging, menopause, thyroid disease) are usually good candidates for this procedure. It is important to undergo a thorough work-up and evaluation to rule out any reversible causes of your runny nose.
Why do hormonal changes cause runny nose?
It is not uncommon for hormonal changes to cause a chronically runny nose. Hormonal changes may change how sensitive the lining of your nose is to the environment. This is usually related to hormone changes with menopause, thyroid disorder, or aging. Hormonally related changes to the nose can best be managed with nasal medications, but in severe cases may often require a vidian neurectomy.
How is a Vidian Neurectomy performed?
The procedure is performed as a minimally invasive surgery through the nose with the use of scopes and instruments. No incisions are made on the outside of the nose, with no visible alterations to the nose. It is usually a surgery that is performed in a same-day, outpatient surgery setting, where patients go home immediately after the procedure. It is typically performed under general anesthesia, but mild and local anesthetic may be considered in some circumstances.
After surgery, patients may experience nasal discomfort and light bleeding for 24-48 hours after surgery. Dr. Mourad recommends 1-3 days off from work in order to recover fully. Usually the effects are immediately noticeable, with a reduction in nasal secretions approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Is Dr. Mourad the right surgeon for my Vidian Neurectomy?
Dr. Mourad is a highly skilled and qualified sinus and skull base surgeon. He has published extensively in his field, with double board certification in Head & Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Mourad will carefully evaluate you and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, ensuring that you are provided with a specifically tailored regiment unique to your condition.