If indicated, surgery to correct the nasal septum or a septoplasty is performed.An existing septal defect is often accompanied not only by reduced 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 relieves the symptoms, but does not resolve the cause of its onset.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.Furthermore, at the time of surgery, the patient must not have acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections.
Patients should undergo surgery if they have the following symptoms:
- there are aesthetic 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;
- you experience frequent headaches and nasal bleeding;
- 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 the examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is performed for other health problems.Therefore, correction of the nasal septum in people with bronchial diseases (for example, asthma) ensures a more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed following laboratory tests and diagnostic tests:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for clotting (coagulogram);
- control blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded upon the doctor's decision if there are adequate indications in the patient's medical history.
Additionally, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance by avoiding:
- taking 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
The surgery can be performed with adequate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bone, general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.In case of interference with the 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 stand out to correct the nasal septum.In this case the traditional use of the 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 improve inspection.
In this way it is possible to superficially correct the cartilage or straighten the bony part.Since the incisions occur only on the mucosa inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams and therefore scars here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This surgery 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 high temperature laser.It is then mechanically given the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features 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 last 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 no tampons, splints or gels are used after surgery;
- the cauterizing and at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of further infections 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 24-hour supervision;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period is not affected, since there are no serious swellings and hematomas.
Recovery period
Unlike laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately following surgery, you are required to stay in the hospital to monitor initial results and assist in the healing process.The hospitalization period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days breathing is extremely difficult, caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or special gel in the nasal passages.It is worth noting that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help to 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 health facility with periodic visits to the doctor for tests and the use of prescribed medications.Without complications, performance can be restored upon discharge, even if the swelling lasts a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible complications in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- bruising and swelling;
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of a through canal 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;
- formation of blood clots;
- deformation of the shape of the nose of various types.
To alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, you should follow several rules:
- do not frequent baths/saunas and solariums, do not take hot baths or showers;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- do not consume hot foods 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-relieving medications and, if necessary, antibiotics.Also, visit an ENT specialist promptly.
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.Therefore, the price will vary depending on the clinic's price list and the type of surgery.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.