Why we do it?
A Septoplasty is a procedure to correct a deformity of the partition/ wall between the sides of the nose. The front part is formed of a soft cartilage while the back part is formed of bone.
Indications:
- nasal obstruction cosmetic deformity
- cosmetic deformity
- accessing the sinuses or base of skull
- some cases of snoring and sleep apnea
How is it done:
The procedure is done under General Anesthesia. The incision is made on one side inside the nostril. The soft tissue covering the septum is elevated. once a good view is obtained the posterior bony deviation is removed and the cartilaginous part is refashioned to construct a straight septum. The cartilage in the front of the nose is preserved to maintain support of the external nose. The procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils without external incisions.
The incision is then closed using dissolvable sutures. 2 silicon splints are fixed on either side of the septum to maintain structure and avoid adhesion those are removed after 7 -10 days
After the procedure:
The nose can feel blocked after surgery. This can be because of nasal dressings, snot or swelling. The dressing we use will dissolve on its own. You will need to rinse the nose with salt water. This will help clear the nose. The blocked nose should get better within a week. Mild bleeding usually subsides after 48 hours . Patient should avoid blood thinning medications during this period.
Risk / Complications:
Early (2 weeks): Moderate to severe bleeding requiring hospitalization and another procedure to stop the bleeding , extremely rare . two occasions in my 25 years of practice and over 2500 cases.
Septal perforation: a hole inside the nose that connects the 2 sides of the nose (very rare)
Pain: minimal more like soreness and annoying pressure, usually no pain killers needed beyond the 3rd day after procedure. Transient upper teeth numbness , subsided after 5-7 days .
Delayed: more than 2 weeks : Recurrence of nasal obstruction : the septum will not deviate spontaneously without another trauma, but the turbinates might regrow which when not controlled by medical require might require another procedure. Nostril asymmetry : rare and unpredictable, only in Patients with history of multiple traumas to the nose
