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.

Varieties and causes of septal defects

There are the following types of defects:

1. Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, difficulty breathing, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (against the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, in the front or back.
2. Perforation. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. Pathology occurs as a result of rupture of the peri-cartilage tissue and detachment of the submucosa.
3. Sinking back. Occurs against the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of 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 injuries. The defect develops with a strong impact, against which the displacement of the osteochondral plate occurs. Often, deformity occurs when improper adhesion after a fracture.
2. Abnormal growth of the bones of the skull. The large size of the nasal cavity contributes to the bending of the septum. This is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of the Jacobson rudiment). Limits the space for the growth and development of the septum.
4. Chronic unilateral rhinitis. A nasal congestion on one side can cause curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscesses.
7. Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the sinuses.
8. Complicated heredity (curvature of the nose in parents).
9. Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

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

1. Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be light and heavy to the point that a person breathes only through the 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 the 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. Snore.
12. Sleep disturbance.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is oxygen deficiency.
14. Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression of the back).
15. Deterioration of attention and memory.

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

Diagnosis of the severity of the defect

The following studies allow you to identify the defect and its severity:

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

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

Treatment methods

The elimination of the defect is possible only by surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

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

Conservative treatment

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

Surgical intervention (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. Most often it is performed endoscopically without incisions using a monitor and a camera. Its benefits include:

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

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

Indications for surgery

Indications for nose surgery are:

• difficulty breathing;
• the presence of chronic rhinitis;
• ear infection;
• severe headaches;
• 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,
• breastfeeding the baby.

Preparing for septoplasty

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

On the eve it is recommended not to eat later than 6 pm and to cleanse the intestines.

It is important to sanitize 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 operation to correct the nasal septum, it is required:

• wear cotton turundas in the nose for 1-2 days;
• take antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, clean it of crusts and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

After rhinoplasty, it is recommended:

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

The effectiveness of the surgical intervention

Photos of people before and after surgery differ dramatically.

Removing the defect removes the cosmetic defect and all symptoms, making breathing easier.

The efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after nasal septum correction

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

The consequences of the operation can be adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plate, decreased sense of smell, perforation, blurred vision and nerve damage.