How is the operation to correct the nasal septum

Defects of the nasal septum are a common pathology in children and adults, requiring radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life threatening, but it is a pronounced cosmetic defect. Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is carried out according to strict indications.

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Varieties and causes of septal malformations

There are the following types of faults:

1. Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, breathing difficulties, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). The curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (against the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, front or back.
2. Perforation. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology occurs as a result of the rupture of the pericartilaginous tissue and the detachment of the submucosa.
3. Sagging backrest. Occurs against the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of the bone tissue and shortening of the back.

The most common causes of a deviated nasal septum are:

1. Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more susceptible to injury. The defect develops with a strong impact, against the background of which the osteochondral plate is displaced. Often the deformity occurs during poor adhesion after a fracture.
2. Abnormal growth of the bones of the skull. The large size of the nasal cavity promotes flexion of the septum This is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of Jacobson rudiment). Limits space for growth and development of the septum.
4. Chronic unilateral rhinitis. Nasal congestion on one side can cause a curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscess.
7. Sinus enlargement (proliferation).
8. Complicated heredity (curvature of the nose in parents).
9. Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

If a person has a curved nasal septum, the following symptoms are possible:

1. Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be light and heavy to the point that a person can only breathe through their mouth. The absence of this symptom does not exclude the presence of a defect.
2. Chronic rhinitis. It occurs as a result of impaired ventilation and the multiplication of microbes.
3. Frequent allergic reactions.
4. Congestion.
5. Swelling of the mucous membrane.
6. Headache. It occurs against the background of congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis (sinusitis), increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of receptors.
7. Frequent episodes of ARVI. Manifested by coughing, sneezing, fever.
8. Dry mucous membranes.
9. Nosebleeds.
10. Sleep Apnea. Attacks of respiratory arrest during sleep.
11. Snoring.
12. Sleep disorder.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is the lack of oxygen.
14. Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, sunken back).
15. Deterioration of attention and memory.

Less commonly, symptoms such as cough, sweating, decreased smell, tinnitus, dryness, nasality, changes in facial expressions (open mouth, change in bite) are observed.

Diagnosis of the severity of the fault

The following studies make it possible to identify the defect and its seriousness:

1. Computed tomography (detects thorns, ridges and associated diseases).
2. MRI. It is performed if a tumor is suspected.
3. Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
4. Endoscopy. A tube with a camera is used.
5. Rhinometry (modification of air flows and degree of congestion disturbance).
6. Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes are carried out (allergy tests, bacteriological examination of smears, clinical blood test) and a survey.

Processing methods

Removal of the defect is possible only by surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative treatment is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

If you have symptoms of a septal abnormality, you should see an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist). You may also need to see a surgeon.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often performed.

Surgical intervention (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. Most often, it is performed by endoscopy without incisions using a monitor and a camera. Its advantages include:

• rapid rehabilitation;
• Efficiency;
• simplicity;
• minimal blood loss and trauma;
• the presence of an antiseptic effect (when using a laser).

Less frequently, the method of resection or septochondroprotection is used. Before performing a septoplasty, the degree of difficulty of nasal breathing and the age of the patient are taken into account.

Surgical indications

The indications for nose surgery are:

• difficulty in breathing;
• the presence of chronic rhinitis;
• ear infection;
• severe headache;
• pronounced cosmetic defect;
• sinusitis;
• pronounced snoring;
• regular nosebleeds.

Contraindications to the operation

Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:

• elderly patients,
• with hemophilia (blood clotting disorder),
• severe heart disease,
• mental disorders
• Diabetes,
• Cancer,
• severe forms of infection,
• arterial hypertension,
• during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
• during pregnancy,
• breastfeed the baby.

Preparation for septoplasty

The straightening of the nose is carried out after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation of specialists (therapist, ENT, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.

The day before, it is recommended not to eat after 6 p. m. and to cleanse the intestines.

It is important to disinfect the oral cavity (to cure all diseases, including sore throat, rhinitis, pharyngitis).

For women, it is recommended to restore the correct shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.

Features of the postoperative period

After the correction of the nasal septum, it is necessary:

• wear cotton turundas in your nose for 1 to 2 days;
• taking antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, clean it from scabs and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

After rhinoplasty, it is recommended:

• avoid high loads;
• refuse to visit baths and saunas;
• do not pinch your nose;
• do not overcool;
• exclude pressure and temperature drops (refuse flights, climb, swim).

The effectiveness of the surgical intervention

The photos of people before and after surgery differ considerably.

Elimination of the defect removes the cosmetic defect and all symptoms, making it easier to breathe.

The efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after correction of the nasal septum

Correction of the nasal septum at the current stage of development of medicine, the operation is simple. But there can still be postoperative complications.

The consequences of the operation may be adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoidal plaque, decreased smell, perforation, blurred vision and nerve damage.