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Septoplasty Surgery
The structure in the middle of the nose that separates the two sides to permit the flow of air is called the nasal septum. A deviated nasal septum means the septum is crooked on one side and allows less space for air to run. A deviated septum causes blockage in breathing and at times recurrent infections of sinus. This can be corrected or straightened by the procedure of septoplasty, also called as sub mucous resection of the septum and septal reconstruction. Septoplasty may be done to remove nasal polyps by allowing access in the nose and also to treat chronic sinusitis. In this process working through the nostrils, the surgeon makes an incision to separate the mucosa from the cartilage and the bone.
Indications to when Septoplasty should be performed
The following situations are an indication to the surgery:
- When the septum is badly deviated leading to a difficulty in breathing through the nose a person needs to consult a physician to check the possibilities of a surgery.
- A badly deviated septum also causes mouth breathing, snoring, sleep disturbances, drooling during sleep, change in voice, decrease in sense of taste and smell etc. Also a person undergoing sinus treatment may need to have the septum straightened.
- The symptoms usually occur on the side opposite to the bend and are worse on one side.
Advantages:
Septoplasty as a surgical option has values when all medical treatment fails and an obstruction in the nose still exists. Most people recover well as septoplasty is a common nasal surgery. Certain airways can be improved by straightening a bent septum, moving deformed external structures and thinning a thickened obstruction of the septum. Judicial partial removal can sometimes improve enlarged turbinates.
Complications and risks involved
As with all other cosmetic surgeries, septoplasty too comes with minor risks and complications mainly infections, bleeding and chills. An additional risk in septoplasty is the formation of a perforation in the septum. Perforation rarely requires treatment, however if it causes discomfort or incase of an infection, additional surgery may be required. If nasal packing is done, there are chances of people developing "Toxic Shock Syndrome" by people who have Bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Its symptoms include:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Sunburn
- Chills, fever
- Very low blood pressure
The doctor should be consulted immediately if any of the above symptoms persist after surgery.
Expectations after the surgery:
To avoid bleeding and to keep the septum straight while it heals, a nasal pack or splint may be placed in your nostrils. This packing will be in place for 2 to 3 days. A small straw is positioned to allow breathing from the nose. Take care of your nose by avoiding blowing it repeatedly, sneeze with the mouth open, keep the nose clean, change the drip pad as necessary, etc. Care should be taken and instructions must be followed after the surgery to minimize risks.