Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed if indicated.An existing septal defect is often accompanied not only by decreased respiratory function and associated health problems, but also by cosmetic defects.
Who needs surgery
A deviated septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological, or compensatory issues.Conservative drug treatment alleviates the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of their appearance.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.Additionally, at the time of the operation, the patient should not be suffering from acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections.
Patients should undergo surgery if they experience the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, bump, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- decreased sense of smell;
- frequent congestion occurs;
- you constantly feel dry in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep, breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- headaches and frequent nasal bleeding occur;
- decreased attention, memory, and performance;
- respiratory allergies appear.
In this case, the listed signs are identified in a complex manner and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided jointly by the patient and the otolaryngologist after examination, including using an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is performed for other health problems.Thus, correction of the nasal septum in people suffering from bronchial diseases (eg asthma) allows for more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be carried out after laboratory analyzes and diagnostic examinations:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for coagulation (coagulogram);
- check blood sugar;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the decision of the doctor if there are appropriate indications in the patient's medical history.
In addition, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance by avoiding:
- taking pharmaceutical drugs that affect blood clotting (aspirin, heparin, diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation for male patients also includes facial hair removal.
Techniques
The surgery can be performed under appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bony part, general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.In case of interference with bony structures, the operation will be performed under general anesthesia.The method of pain relief can also be complex.
Modern surgery offers several ways to perform surgery.Here the classic surgical method and laser surgery to correct the nasal septum stand out.In this case, traditional scalpel use involves resection of the submucosa without external incisions.The mechanical action with a scalpel is carried out in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to improve control.
In this way, a superficial correction of the cartilage or a straightening of the bony part is possible.Since the incisions only concern the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams, or scars, here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the presence of minor disorders not affecting the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum using a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue to subsequently eliminate excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity by laser heating it at high temperature.Then, it is mechanically given the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features and benefits of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not exceed half an hour;there are no incisions or deep tissue damage, so the operation is considered bloodless;
- Based on the previous paragraph, it follows that tampons, turunds or gel are not used after surgery;
- the cauterizing and at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of additional infection and also promotes healing;
- due to the characteristics described above, the rehabilitation period after surgery does not last long and can be carried out on an outpatient basis without round-the-clock supervision;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period does not suffer, since there is no swelling and serious hematomas.
Recovery period
Unlike the gentle nature of laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, conventional surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after the operation, he must stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and facilitate the healing process.The hospitalization period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is extremely difficult, due to swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or special gel in the nasal passages.It should be noted that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help to more effectively restore the functionality of the respiratory system.
After removing the used materials, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and nasal septum is carried out.Healing will continue outside the medical facility with periodic visits to the doctor for examination and use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, performance can be restored upon discharge, although swelling takes a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible complications in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- hematomas and swelling;
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of a through canal connecting the nasal passages;
- numbness of the maxillofacial part due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dullness of smell;
- formation of blood clots;
- deformation of the shape of the nose of various types.
To alleviate the disease during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, you must follow several rules:
- do not visit baths/saunas and solariums, do not take hot baths and showers;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- do not consume hot food or drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
To avoid dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), it is recommended to increase fluid intake.You should also use prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain relievers and, if necessary, antibiotics.Additionally, consult an ENT specialist in a timely manner.
Depending on the establishment chosen, the cost of the operation is determined.For many patients, the services of private medical institutions seem to be the most acceptable.Thus, the price will vary depending on the clinic’s price list and the type of operation.In addition, the medical services provided may cost more if a classic operation is performed and the patient continues to stay in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.