Septoplasty

What is septoplasty and what is it used for?

Nasal septum surgery is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum, which is the partition between the nasal cavities. A deviated septum can cause problems such as difficulty breathing through the nose, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds, snoring, and other problems related to the nose and breathing.

Septum surgery can be very effective in solving the problem of breathing through the nose and other related problems, but like any surgical procedure, it carries a certain risk of complications. Before surgery, patients should talk to their surgeon about all aspects of the procedure and what to expect after surgery.

How is septoplasty performed?

The operation is most often performed under general anesthesia. After the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the septum and separate the mucous membrane from the cartilage and bones of the septum. Then the surgeon removes the deviated part of the septum or reconstructs it, adapting it to the shape of the nose and improving the flow of air through the nasal cavities.

If there is a large curvature of the septum or other problems with the nose, such as nasal polyposis or sinusitis, the surgeon may perform other procedures during the operation in order to solve these problems.

This procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the deviated septum and other factors. At the end of the procedure, tampons (gauze soaked in antibiotic ointment or splints) are placed in the nose, which are removed on the fifth postoperative day. After the surgery, the patient will remain under the supervision of the medical staff until he wakes up from anesthesia.

What does recovery look like after septoplasty?

Recovery from septoplasty varies from patient to patient, but in most cases the patient will be able to leave the hospital the same day after surgery. However, patients should expect to experience pain, swelling, and nosebleeds during the first few days after surgery. The doctor will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent infections and relieve symptoms.

In most cases, the patient can return to normal activities after about a week, although activities that increase blood pressure in the nose, such as exercise, bending forward, and lifting heavy objects, should be avoided to prevent nosebleeds. Also, patients should avoid smoking and other inhalants during the entire recovery period to ensure faster healing.