Septoplasty: Everything About This Nasal Septum Surgery

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum, which can cause breathing problems and other symptoms.

Here is some key information about septoplasty:

• The nasal septum is the wall of tissue that separates the nostrils. If it is deviated, it can cause nasal obstruction, sinusitis, headaches, nosebleeds, and other symptoms;
• Septoplasty is usually performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the case. The operation involves repositioning the nasal septum by removing or rearranging the cartilage and bone;
• The duration of the operation depends on the severity of the deviation of the nasal septum. It can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours;
• After the operation, the patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and sinuses. These symptoms can last up to a week. The patient should avoid blowing their nose hard, strenuous physical exertion, and touching their nose during the recovery period;
• The results of septoplasty are generally positive. Most patients see an improvement in their nasal breathing and a reduction in associated symptoms;
• Like any surgical procedure, septoplasty has potential risks and complications, including infection, hemorrhage, perforation of the nasal septum, or recurrence of the deviation;
• Before undergoing septoplasty, the patient should consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor to determine if the operation is appropriate for them, and to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure;

What is septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the deviation of the nasal septum, which can cause breathing problems and other symptoms. The nasal septum is the wall of tissue that separates the nostrils. If it is deviated, it can cause nasal obstruction, sinusitis, headaches, nosebleeds, and other symptoms. Septoplasty involves repositioning the nasal septum by removing or rearranging the cartilage and bone. The operation is usually performed under general or local anesthesia and lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the severity of the deviation. The results of septoplasty are generally positive, with improved nasal breathing and a reduction in associated symptoms. However, like any surgical procedure, septoplasty has potential risks and complications, and the patient should discuss with their doctor the benefits and risks of the procedure.

How is septoplasty performed?

Septoplasty is usually performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the case and the preference of the patient and the medical team. Here are the main steps of the operation:

• The surgeon accesses the nasal septum by inserting surgical instruments through the nostrils or by making a small incision at the base of the nose;
• The surgeon removes or rearranges the cartilage and bone to straighten the nasal septum;
• Depending on the situation, the surgeon may also perform other procedures to improve nasal breathing, such as reducing the nasal turbinates or removing polyps;

Once the operation is complete, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures that dissolve or that need to be removed later.

• The patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and sinuses after the operation. They may also have difficulty breathing through their nose for a few days or weeks;
• The patient should avoid blowing their nose hard, strenuous physical exertion, and touching their nose during the recovery period, which generally lasts one to two weeks;

In general, septoplasty is a relatively short and simple operation, but as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, and the patient should discuss with their doctor the benefits and risks of the procedure.

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When to have a septoplasty

A septoplasty is recommended when a deviated nasal septum causes symptoms such as nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, headaches, nosebleeds, snoring, sleep disturbances, or a decreased quality of life. In some cases, the deviation can also cause respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnea.

Before recommending a septoplasty, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor will perform an examination to assess the severity of the nasal septum deviation and determine if the procedure is appropriate for the patient. Other tests may also be necessary, such as radiological examinations or respiratory function tests.

In general, septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum and improve nasal breathing. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, and the patient should discuss with their doctor the benefits and risks of the procedure.

The days following the operation

In the days following a septoplasty, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and sinuses.

Here are some tips to aid recovery:

• Rest: It is important to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity during the recovery period, which generally lasts one to two weeks. It is also advisable to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling;
• Avoid touching your nose: It is important not to touch or blow your nose hard to avoid disrupting healing;
• Use cold compresses: Using cold compresses on the nose can help reduce swelling and bruising. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions regarding the frequency and duration of cold compress use;
• Take prescribed medications: The doctor may prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatories to help relieve pain and swelling.
• Follow the doctor's instructions: Follow the doctor's instructions regarding medication, nose cleaning, follow-up appointments, and activities to avoid during the recovery period;

In general, most patients can return to work or school one week after the operation, but it is important to follow the doctor's instructions regarding when to resume normal activities. If the patient experiences complications or concerns during the recovery period, they should contact their doctor for advice.

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