Procedure and Benefits of a Deviated Nasal Septum Surgery

The surgical fixation of the deviated nasal septum is called septoplasty. This surgical procedure helps improve breathing by easing the flow of air through the nasal passage. Although it is an outpatient surgery, full recovery of the patient takes around three months.

What is a deviated nasal septum?

Diagnosis of the deviated nasal septum

Nasal endoscopy uses a tube-like device called an endoscope attached to a camera to examine the nasal septum. CT scan helps to get images of the deviated nasal septum.

Preparation of surgery

Many steps must be performed before the deviated nasal septum surgery:

1. Before the surgical procedure, the patient must inform the doctor about all the medication, supplements, and drugs.
2. To avoid excessive bleeding during or after surgery, the patient must not consume blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
3. Physical examination of the nose, along with photographs from different angles.
4. The patients must inform the doctor about their medical history.
5. Smoking makes the healing process slow, so it must be avoided before and after surgery.
6. The patient must not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery.

Surgical procedure of nasal septum

The anesthesiologist administers local or general anaesthesia to numb the nasal tissues. The surgeon makes an incision on either side of the nose to access the nasal septum. This is followed by the lifting of the mucous membrane to get access to the nasal septum.

The surgeon inserts silicone splints inside the nostril to support the septum. Some parts of bone and cartilage in the septum are removed, reshaped and repositioned. This straightens the nasal septum. After this procedure, the mucous membrane is again placed back on the septum. The surgeon either stitches the septum to reposition it or uses cotton to keep it in position.

After deviated nasal septum surgery

The patient must take a few precautions after the surgery, like:

• Elevate head while sleeping
• Don't blow your nose
• Avoid strenuous activities

Results of deviated nasal septum surgery

The results of the surgery are usually observed after 3-6 months. The surgical procedure helps to improve various symptoms like difficulty in breathing. If the patients don't get relief after one surgery, they can undergo a second surgery for the deviated nasal septum.

Benefits of a deviated nasal septum surgery

Deviated nasal septum surgery not only straightens the nasal septum but also has many other benefits, like:

• Improved breathing - After fixation of the nasal septum, air can swiftly flow through it, thus improving the overall breathing.
• Fewer sinus infections - When the nasal passage opens after the surgery, mucus drains from the sinuses easily. This flow of mucus lessens the chances of sinus infections.
• Quality sleep - Nasal congestion due to deviated septum disturbs sleep. Treatment of deviated nasal septum reduces snoring, and sleep apnea, thus improving sleep quality.
• Improved sense of smell - This surgery improved the sense of smell or taste in individuals.
• Part of removal of nasal tumours - Sometimes, deviated nasal septum surgery is included during the removal of nasal tumours or sinus surgery.

Risks or Complications of nasal septum surgery

Although deviated nasal septum surgery is a safe procedure, still there are some risks associated with it:

• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Blood clot in nasal space
• Nasal obstruction
• Decrease smell sense
• Perforation of septum
• Altered shape of the nose
• Discolouration of nose

Conclusion

Deviated nasal septum surgery provides you relief while breathing and sleeping. It is an outpatient procedure, so you need not stay in the hospital for a longer time. Consult a doctor based on the severity of symptoms.

Contact a doctor to get professional medical advice if you have any queries about the procedure or complications.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals Call 1860 500 2244