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 problems.Conservative drug treatment alleviates symptoms, but does not solve the cause of its occurrence.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, at the time of the operation, the patient should not have acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections.
Patients should undergo surgery if they have the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, hump, 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;
- frequent headaches and nasal bleeding occur;
- decreased attention, memory and performance;
- respiratory allergies appear.
In this case, the listed signs are identified in a complex, and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided jointly by the patient and the otolaryngologist after examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is done for other health problems.Thus, correcting the septum in the nose for people with bronchial disease (for example, asthma) provides more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed after laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for coagulation (coagulogram);
- checking blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the doctor’s decision 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 of male patients also includes removal of facial hair.
Techniques
Surgery can be performed with appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bone part, then general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.When interfering with bone 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, the traditional use of a scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without external incisions.Mechanical action with a scalpel is carried out in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to enhance control.
In this way, superficial correction of the cartilage or straightening of the bone part is possible.Due to the fact that the incisions are only on the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams, and subsequently scars, here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the presence of minor disorders that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is carried out in two ways:
- Correction of the septum using a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue for subsequent removal of excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity by heating it with a laser to a high temperature.Then it is mechanically given the desired shape.This method may also be called septochondrocorrection.
Characteristics and advantages of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not take more than 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 further 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 are no severe swelling and hematomas.
Recovery period
In contrast to the gentle nature of laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classical surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after surgery, he is required to stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and assist in the healing process.The inpatient period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is extremely difficult, which is caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or a special gel in the nasal passages.It is worth noting that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help more effectively restore the functionality of the respiratory system.
After removing the materials used, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum is carried out.Further recovery will continue outside the medical facility with periodic visits to the doctor for examination and the use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, performance can be restored by the time of discharge, even if the 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 channel connecting the nasal passages;
- numbness in the maxillofacial part due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dullness of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- deformation of the shape of the nose of various types.
To alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and to 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 and drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
To prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), increased fluid intake is recommended.You should also use prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and, if necessary, antibiotics.In addition, visit an ENT specialist in a timely manner.
Depending on the chosen institution, 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.