Free nasal breathing is a guarantee of health and high quality of life. One of the most common causes of systematic nasal breathing disorders is a deviated septum. This problem cannot be solved with drops and pills. Only plastic surgery can help here.
Why is a nasal septum necessary?
The nasal septum is a plaque that includes sections of bone and cartilage, covered by a mucous membrane. It divides the nose into two parts. This feature of the anatomical structure is not accidental.
The nose is needed to filter and heat the air. If it were a single cavity, it would quickly run out and not be able to fully perform its functions. Thanks to the partition, each half of the nose works in turn, which ensures continuous air filtration.
In addition, the nasal septum supports the shape of the nose, being its skeleton.
curvature symptoms
A patient with this pathology is concerned about:
- nasal congestion;
- headaches;
- dry mouth after sleep;
- bleeding;
- frequent inflammatory diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis);
- decreased work capacity, quality of life;
- rapid fatigability.
The plastic surgeon cites the following statistics:
According to recent studies, less than 25% of people in the world have a uniform septum. Many of them are not bothered by anything, as the curvature is insignificant and does not interfere with breathing through the nose. This group of patients does not require any therapy. However, if these symptoms are present, this is a direct indication for surgical treatment - septoplasty.
How is nasal septum correction surgery performed?
Before septoplasty, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with an otolaryngologist and a complete examination. First, a CT scan is done. It allows you to fully study the structure of the septum, determine the scope of the operation. You will also need to pass several tests:
- clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- blood chemistry;
- coagulation;
- blood for various infections (syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV);
- cardiogram;
- fluorography.
All this is necessary to exclude possible contraindications to surgical intervention.
Correction of the nasal septum is performed under anesthesia with the addition of a local anesthetic. After anesthesia, the surgeon performs the intervention according to a clear algorithm:
- Opens the nasal mucosa. The incision is made in the nasal cavity, which completely eliminates the presence of an aesthetic defect after the operation.
- Other actions depend on the type of defect. If there is an isolated peak or ridge, it will be removed. If the curvature is complex, S-shaped, the partition will be partially destroyed and "created" again.
- Sew the mucosa. Self-absorbable threads are applied.
- Silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passage and sutured. They are plates that maintain the correct shape of the nasal septum, prevent the development of septal hematoma and accelerate the healing process.
The duration of nasal septum repair depends entirely on the complexity and amount of work and can vary from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
After the surgical procedures, the patient must spend 1-2 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation after surgery to correct the septum
After the operation, the patient needs a steady regimen. Antibacterial, hemostatic and analgesic therapy are prescribed. It is also necessary to take care of the splints, constantly washing them with saline solutions. After septoplasty, bruising and swelling on the face may appear, which disappear after 3-5 days. During this period, nasal breathing is difficult due to swelling in the nasal cavity and splints.
Splints are removed on the 7-10th day. Nasal breathing improves, but not entirely due to continued swelling.
After that, the patient must stay at home on bed rest for another 4-5 days. In the first 2 weeks you will need:
- abandon hot baths, saunas, baths;
- limit physical activity;
- don't blow your nose hard;
- Limit sleeping on your back and wearing glasses.
The doctor may also recommend the use of drops and sprays intended to accelerate mucosal healing and restore the epithelium in the nasal cavity.
The final result can be evaluated after 2-3 months, when the edema has completely disappeared and the healing processes are completed.