How is the operation to correct the nasal septum?

Nasal septal defects 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 performed 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 condition is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, breathing difficulties, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). The curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (against the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, in the front or back.
2. Drilling. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. Pathology occurs as a result of the rupture of the pericartilaginous tissue and the detachment of the submucosa.
3. Backrest that sinks. It occurs against the background of trauma and abscesses. It is characterized by the flattening of the bone tissue and the shortening of the back.

The most common causes of a deviated 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 the background of which the osteochondral plate is displaced. 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 favors flexion of the septum This is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of the Jacobson rudiment). Limit the space for septal growth and development.
4. Unilateral chronic rhinitis. A nasal congestion on one side can cause a curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscesses.
7. Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the breasts.
8. Complicated inheritance (curvature of the nose in the parents).
9. Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

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

1. Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be light and heavy to the point that a person only breathes through their mouth. The absence of this symptom does not exclude the presence of a defect.
2. Chronic rhinitis. It occurs due to impaired ventilation and 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 cough, sneezing, fever.
8. Dry mucous membranes.
9. Nosebleeds.
10. Sleep apnea. Attacks of respiratory arrest during sleep.
11. Snoring.
12. Sleep disorders.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is the lack of oxygen.
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, sweating, decreased sense of smell, tinnitus, dryness, nasality, altered facial expressions (open mouth, altered bite) are observed.

Diagnosis of the severity of the defect

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

1. Computed tomography (detects spines, ridges and associated diseases).
2. magnetic resonance. It is performed if a malignancy is suspected.
3. Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
4. Endoscopy. A tube with a camera is used.
5. Rhinometry (variation of air flows and degree of congestion disturbance).
6. Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes (allergy tests, bacteriological examination of smears, clinical blood examination) and a survey are performed.

Methods of treatment

Elimination of the defect is possible only surgically. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

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

Conservative treatment

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

Surgery (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 advantages include:

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

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

Indications for surgery

The 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,
• hypertension,
• during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
• during pregnancy,
• breastfeed the baby.

Preparation for septoplasty

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

On the eve it is recommended not to eat after 18: 00 and to clean 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 necessary:

• wearing cotton turunda in the nose for 1-2 days;
• taking antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, clean it of scabs and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

After rhinoplasty, it is recommended:

• avoid high loads;
• refuse to visit baths and saunas;
• don't pick your nose;
• do not overcool;
• exclude drops in pressure and temperature (refuse flights, climb, swim).

The effectiveness of the surgery

Photos of people before and after surgery differ greatly.

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

The efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after correction of the nasal septum

Correction of the nasal septum in the current stage of medicine development, 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, infections, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plaque, decreased sense of smell, perforation, blurred vision and nerve damage.