Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed when indicated.An existing septal defect is often accompanied not only by reduced respiratory function and related health problems, but also by cosmetic defects.
Who needs surgery?
Deviation of the septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological or compensatory problems.Conservative drug treatment relieves the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of its occurrence.Surgery is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, the patient should not have acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections at the time of surgery.
Patients should be operated on 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 dryness in the nasopharynx;
- breathing during sleep is accompanied by snoring;
- frequent headaches and nosebleeds;
- decreased attention, memory and performance;
- respiratory allergy appears.
In this case, the listed symptoms are determined in a complex way, 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, surgical intervention is performed for other health problems.Thus, for people with bronchial disease (for example, asthma), correction of the septum in the nose ensures 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);
- check blood sugar level;
- ECG and fluorography.
If there are relevant symptoms in the patient's medical history, the list is expanded at the discretion of the doctor.
In addition, patients should prepare for the operation several days in advance:
- taking pharmaceutical drugs that affect blood clotting (Aspirin, Heparin, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation of male patients also includes facial hair removal.
Techniques
It can be operated 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.When interfering with bone structures, the operation will be performed under general anesthesia.Pain relief can also be complicated.
Modern surgery offers several methods to perform the operation.Here, the classic surgical method and laser surgery to correct the nasal septum are prominent.In this case, the traditional use of the scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without external incisions.Mechanical movement with a scalpel is performed in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to increase control.
In this way, surface correction of the cartilages or correction of the bone part is possible.Since the cuts are only on the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible stitches and no scars afterwards.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the case of minor disorders that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum using a laser scalpel that cuts healthy tissue for subsequent removal of excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by heating the septum at a high temperature with a laser to bring it to a plastic state.Then it is mechanically given any shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features and advantages of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- low complexity of the operation, which lasts no more than half an hour;there are no cuts or deep tissue damage, so the operation is considered bloodless;
- According to the previous paragraph, tampons, turunds or gel are not used after the operation;
- 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 the operation does not take long and can be carried out in an outpatient setting without round-the-clock supervision;
- During the recovery period, the aesthetic appearance of the patient does not suffer, because there are no severe swelling and hematomas.
Recovery time
Unlike the gentle nature of laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after surgery, a hospital stay is required to monitor initial results and aid in the healing process.The period of inpatient treatment can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is quite difficult, this happens due to swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or a special gel in the nasal passages.It should be noted that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help restore the functionality of the respiratory system more effectively.
After removing the used materials, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum is performed.Further recovery will be continued outside the medical facility with periodic visits to the doctor for checkups and the use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, performance can be restored during discharge, even if the swelling lasts 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 channel connecting the nasal passages;
- facial numbness due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- shortness of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- different types of nose shape deformation.
During the rehabilitation period, you should follow several rules to alleviate the situation and prevent possible complications:
- do not visit baths/saunas and solariums, 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;
- lie on your back.
Increased fluid intake is recommended to prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing).You should also take prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and antibiotics if needed.In addition, visit the ENT specialist on time.
The cost of the operation is determined depending on the selected institution.For many patients, the services of private medical institutions seem to be the most acceptable.So, the price will vary depending on the price list of the clinic and the type of operation.In addition, if a classic operation is performed and the patient continues to stay in the clinic during the rehabilitation period, the medical services provided may cost more.