Deviated Nasal Septum & Septoplasty - What you need to know
Nasal surgery can be classified as Cosmetic (Rhinoplasty) & Functional (Septoplasty), more often when patient is a candidate for both in one sitting ,combined surgery is called Septorhinoplasty. In this blog ,we are going to focus on only Septoplasty , which is to improve the function of the inner part of the nose. It is one of the most commonly performed procedures to improve nasal function is septoplasty.
As the name suggests, septoplasty corrects problems associated with the septum. The septum is the interior part of the nose that separates the left and right nostrils, and it is comprised of bone and cartilage.
Septoplasty surgery straightens deviated or crooked bone and cartilage inside of the nose referred to as Deviated Nose septum.
This surgery is regularly performed to correct the following conditions:
- Nose Blocks
- Repeated Sinusitis
- Mouth Breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Nose Bleeds
If you suffer from any of the above listed symptoms, perhaps the problem exists because of a Deviated Nasal Septum( DNS). Septoplasty can also be performed to remove improve irregular breathing problems caused by deformities in nasal septum from birth or traumatic events.
Surgery is done with the patient under general anesthesia and usually is a daycare procedure. Incisions are internal and made inside the nose, where the mucosa (layer that lines the nasal passages) is separated from the bone and cartilage. If the septum is badly deviated, then certain portions of it may be entirely removed or repositioned in the nose.
Once the cartilage is straightened, the incisions are closed with sutures. Since septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils, patients don’t have to worry about any external scarring. After the procedure is complete, the nostrils will be packed with soft inflatable sponge and covered with surgical tapes to support the new corrected assembly and reduce postoperative bleeding ,which are removed in 48 hours.
A few days of downtime will be needed for recovery during which patient is free do regular activities except those requiring physical exertion or straining , but patients are able to return after about a week.
After you have been discharged from the hospital, it is of utmost importance that you clear doubts related to the following-
- The procedure to take care of the nose after surgery
- Amount of permitted physical activity
- Restrictions on driving
- Warning symptoms to look out for that require immediate medical attention
- Changes to the medication and their proper dosage
- Exercises that can be carried out
- Management of the pain
- Care to reduce the risk of infection near the wound.
( For more details, refer to Nose Surgery Postoperative instructions on the website )
Septoplasty is a very effective procedure alleviates nasal problems. The results of surgery are long lasting, and patients not only see a noticeable improvement in breathing, but they also may experience improvement in sense of smell, stamina ,reduction in mouth breathing and snoring contributing to new self-confidence.
At the Aahan ENT Clinic, we understand how difficult and disturbing it can be to live with nose and sinus problems,if you have some issues, schedule a consultation with our specialist surgeons , please fill out our online contact form today.