Septoplasty – Deviated Nasal Septum Treatment

In patients who exhibit one or more of the symptoms associated with a deviated septum, an ENT Surgeon who specializes in treating deviated nasal septum may advise a surgery called a Septoplasty or deviated septum surgery after clinical examination. Best septoplasty surgeons typically perform the procedure endoscopically to treat a deviated septum with no external scars. An incision is made within the nose, and the lining is lifted off the crooked cartilage and bone. These structural elements are then straightened in a variety of ways, and the lining is then returned to its original place. In a typical deviated nasal septum treatment procedure, dissolvable stitches are used to keep the lining in place during healing. Occasionally, sponges or plastic splints may need to be placed temporarily within the nose after a deviated septum operation to help with the healing.

Nasal septum

There are some other structures in the nose that may contribute to resistance to airflow in and also cause nasal blockages. Your surgeon may also address those abnormalities. Sometimes, shelf-like structures inside the nose enlarge and block normal airflow within the nose. Such structures are called turbinates. They increase the surface area of the nose and also work like valves by directing air through the nose. Surface area is needed within the nose for the air to warm and humidify, but enlargement of turbinates squeezes the area and thus reduces the space and disrupts the normal airflow within the nose, and may therefore need to be reduced in size. Your surgeon will discuss with you whether this is the case in your nose and advise an appropriate treatment for a deviated nasal septum.

What are the benefits of deviated septum surgery?

The major objective of the surgery is to ease the flow of air through the nasal sinuses. To ensure this, the nasal septum is straightened or removed to improve airflow. Enlarged turbinates are reduced or trimmed if they obstruct the airflow, and the goal of restoring normal airflow is achieved.

What are the risks of surgery?

The risks associated with deviated septum surgery are rare or uncommon. Even if they are present, they are quite minor. However, you should talk to your doctor regarding the risks associated with this type of surgery.

There is some sort of risk with all types of surgeries – as far as pain, infection and bleeding is concerned. Therefore, you should discuss with your doctor regarding the types of medicines you are using including over-the-counter, herbal and prescription. You should do this prior to surgery as certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding.

Aspirin must be stopped at least 10 days prior to the procedure. You may have small sponges placed at the end of the procedure if your nose is oozing excessively. The sponges are usually removed within 24 to 48 hrs.

Lack of improvement or even worsening of the underlying condition and the need for re-operation are other risks inherent with any surgery. Surgery also carries with it the risks of anesthesia.

Your ENT doctor will prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection and also pain medicine after the procedure.

Septoplasty can be performed under local or general anaesthesia; general anaesthesia is more commonly chosen. If you are planning Nose surgery in Hyderabad for a Deviated Nasal Septum Treatment, you can discuss the risks and benefits of each form of anesthesia with an anesthesiologist.

Deviated septum surgery recovery time

The recovery time of deviated nasal surgery depends on the type of surgery. You may experience nasal pain and congestion along with swelling inside the nose. The condition may continue for a few days to a week. You may also notice blood or fluid that oozes from the incisions within the nose for one or two days following surgery.

Scabbing or “crusting” may form along the incisions in your nose and may last for a week or two. You may experience mild pain during this period as your nose feels a bit tender. Therefore, you should take care to ensure the safety of your nose. A week’s rest is advisable, but if you feel better, you can go back to work sooner. You should avoid swimming and playing in water or going to pools for recreational activities. You have to ensure this for up to two to three weeks. There are no travel restrictions after the surgery; however, you should talk to your doctor about whether you can travel during the deviated septum surgery recovery time.

Deviated nasal septum treatment without surgery

If you notice that you have a deviated septum and you are not experiencing any symptoms – even the most common (breathing difficulty) or any other symptom like sinusitis – then you can talk to your doctor about the prognosis – whether you should leave it alone or if it needs correction. However, if you find swelling inside the nose or obstruction in the flow of air as well, then talk to your doctor about the best possible treatment. Though there are medicines to lessen the swelling along the lining of the nose and to promote airflow, there are some drawbacks. It is better to discuss with the doctor. If your physician recommends turbinate surgery, then he or she will give you options or the methods to perform the procedure. Whatever the case may be, discuss with your surgeon.