How is the nasal septum correction operation?

Nasal septal defects are a common pathology in children and adults, requiring radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not fatal, 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:

Curvature. Condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This condition is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, difficulty breathing, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (in the context of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, front or back.

Drilling. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology occurs as a result of rupture of the pericartilaginous tissue and submucosal detachment.

Backrest sinking. Occurs in the context of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of the bone tissue and shortening of the back.

The most common causes of nasal septum deviation are:

Lesions (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more susceptible to injury. The defect develops with strong impact, against the bottom from which the osteochondral plate is displaced. Deformity often occurs when there is inadequate adhesion after a fracture.

Abnormal growth of skull bones. The large size of the nasal cavity promotes the curvature of the septum. This is a compensatory response.

Rare anomalies (strong development of the Jacobson rudiment). Limits space for septum growth and development.

Chronic unilateral rhinitis. A nasal congestion on one side can cause a sagging.

Tumors.

Abscesses.

Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the sinuses.

Complicated heredity (curvature of the nose in parents).

Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

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

Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be light and heavy to the point where the person breathes only through the mouth. The absence of this symptom does not exclude the presence of a defect.

Chronic rhinitis. This occurs as a result of impaired ventilation and the multiplication of microbes.

Frequent allergic reactions.

Congestion.

Swelling of the mucous membrane.

Headache. It occurs in a context of congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis (sinusitis), increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of the receptors.

Frequent episodes of ARVI. It manifests itself by coughing, sneezing, fever.

Dry mucous membranes.

Nosebleeds.

Sleep apnea. Respiratory arrest attacks during sleep.

Snoring.

Sleep disorders.

Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is oxygen deficiency.

Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression in the back).

Deterioration of attention and memory.

Less commonly, symptoms such as coughing, sweating, decreased smell, tinnitus, dryness, nasality, changes in facial expressions (open mouth, change in bite) are observed.

Diagnosis of the severity of the defect

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

Computed tomography (detects pimples, ridges and associated diseases).

Magnetic resonance. It is performed if neoplasia is suspected.

Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).

Endoscopy. A tube with a camera is used.

Rhinometry (change in air flows and degree of congestion disturbance).

Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes (allergy tests, bacteriological examination of smears, a clinical blood test) and an inquiry are carried out.

treatment methods

Removal of the defect is only possible by surgery. The operation is called a rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

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

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment aims to eliminate edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often performed.

Surgical intervention (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. It is most often performed endoscopically without incisions using a monitor and camera. Your benefits include:

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

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

Indications for surgery

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 for the operation

Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:

• elderly patients,
• with hemophilia (blood clotting disorder),
• severe heart disease,
• Mental Disorders, Mental Disorder
• diabetes,
• Cancer,
• severe forms of infection,
• arterial hypertension,
• during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
• During the pregnancy,
• breastfeeding the baby.

Preparing for Septoplasty

Straightening of the nose is performed after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation with specialists (therapist, otolaryngologist, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.

The day before, it is recommended not to eat after 18 hours and to clean the intestine.

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.

Characteristics of the postoperative period

After the nasal septum correction operation, it is necessary to:

• wear cotton tufts on 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;
• refusing to visit baths and saunas;
• don't pick your nose;
• don't cool too much;
• exclude pressure and temperature drops (denying flights, climbing, swimming).

The effectiveness of surgical intervention

Pictures of people before and after surgery differ dramatically.

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

Efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after nasal septum correction

Correction of the nasal septum in the current stage of medical development, the operation is simple. But there can still be post-operative complications.

The consequences of the operation can be adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plaque, decreased smell, perforation, blurred vision and nerve damage.