Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed if necessary.The existing septum defect is often accompanied not only by reduced respiratory function and associated health problems, but also by aesthetic defects.
Who needs surgery
A deviated septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological or compensatory problems.Conservative drug treatment alleviates the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of the occurrence.Surgery is possible if there are no contraindications, such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, the patient must not have an acute respiratory viral infection or an acute respiratory infection at the time of surgery.
Patients should undergo surgery if the following symptoms occur:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, hump, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- reduced sense of smell;
- frequent congestion occurs;
- constant feeling of dryness in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep, breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- frequent headaches and nosebleeds occur;
- decreased attention, memory, and performance;
- respiratory allergies occur.
In this case, the listed signs are identified in a complex manner, 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.Thus, the correction of the nasal septum of patients suffering from bronchial diseases (such as asthma) ensures a more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed after laboratory tests and diagnostic tests:
- general urine and blood test;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test to detect infections;
- blood coagulation test (coagulogram);
- blood sugar control;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded at the discretion of the doctor 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 medications that affect blood clotting (aspirin, heparin, diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.);
- alcohol consumption and smoking;
- Preparation for male patients includes facial hair removal.
Techniques
The operation can be performed under appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bony part, general anesthesia is not required.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.In case of disruption of bone structures, the operation is performed under general anesthesia.The method of pain relief can also be complex.
Modern surgery offers many methods of performing the operation.Here, the classic surgical method and laser surgery for the correction of the nasal septum stand out.In this case, the traditional use of the scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without an external incision.The mechanical operation with a scalpel is performed in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to increase control.
In this way, a superficial correction of the cartilage or the straightening of the bone part is possible.Given that the incisions 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 presence of minor abnormalities that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum with a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue for the subsequent removal of unnecessary processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity, heated to a high temperature with a laser.It is then mechanically given the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Characteristics and advantages of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- the low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not exceed 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 gels are not used after surgery;
- the cauterizing and disinfecting effect of the laser guarantees the avoidance of further infections and promotes healing;
- due to the characteristics described above, the rehabilitation period after surgery does not last long and can be performed on an outpatient basis without round-the-clock supervision;
- The patient's aesthetic appearance does not suffer during the recovery period, as there are no severe swellings and hematomas.
Healing period
In contrast to the gentle nature of laser surgery aimed at correcting the nasal septum, classical surgery means a longer recovery period.You will need to stay in the hospital immediately after surgery to monitor the initial results and help with 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 special gel in the nasal passages.It is worth noting that due to their structure, silicone tampons more effectively help to restore the functioning of the respiratory system.
After removing the used materials, the nasal passages and septum are carefully examined.Further recovery continues outside the health care facility, with regular visits to the doctor for examination and the use of prescribed medications.By the time of discharge, performance can be restored without any complications, 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 through channel connecting the nasal passages;
- numbness of the maxillofacial area due to nerve damage caused during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dullness of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- different types of nose shape deformation.
In order to alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, you must follow a number of rules:
- do not visit the bath/sauna and solarium, 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 injury:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
Increased fluid intake is recommended to prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing).Use prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, including antibiotics if needed.Also, visit an otolaryngologist in time.
The cost of the operation is determined depending on the chosen institution.For many patients, the services of private healthcare institutions seem to be the most acceptable.Thus, the price varies depending on the price list of the clinic and the type of surgery.In addition, the medical services provided may cost more if classic surgery is performed and the patient remains in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.