Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed if indicated.An existing septal defect is often accompanied not only by decreased 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 alleviates the symptoms, but does not resolve the cause of their occurrence.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.Furthermore, at the time of the operation, the patient must not have acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections.
Patients should undergo surgery if they experience the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, bulge, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- decreased sense of smell;
- frequent congestion occurs;
- you constantly feel dryness in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep, breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- frequent headaches and nosebleeds occur;
- decreased attention, memory and performance;
- respiratory allergies appear.
In this case, the listed signs are identified in a complex way, and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided jointly by the patient and the otorhinolaryngologist after examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is done for other health problems.Thus, correction of the nasal septum in people with bronchial diseases (for example, asthma) provides 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 tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for coagulation (coagulogram);
- check blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the doctor's decision if there are suitable indications in the patient's medical history.
Additionally, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance, avoiding:
- taking medications that affect blood clotting (Aspirin, Heparin, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparing male patients also includes removing facial hair.
Techniques
Surgery can be performed with appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bony part, general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.By interfering with bone structures, the operation will be performed under general anesthesia.The pain relief method can also be complex.
Modern surgery offers several ways to perform surgery.The classic surgical method and laser surgery to correct the nasal septum stand out here.In this case, traditional scalpel use 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 control.
In this way, superficial correction of the cartilage or straightening of the bony part is possible.Because the incisions are only in the inner mucosa of the nasal cavities, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams and subsequently scars here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the presence of minor disorders 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 subsequent removal of excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by taking the septum to a state of plasticity by heating it with a laser at a high temperature.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 exceed half an hour;there are no incisions or deep tissue damage, therefore the operation is considered bloodless;
- Based on the previous paragraph, it is concluded that tampons, turunds or gel are not used after surgery;
- the cauterizing and at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of new 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, as there is no serious swelling and bruising.
Recovery period
In contrast to the gentle nature of laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after surgery, he is required to remain in the hospital to monitor the initial results and assist in the healing process.The hospitalization period can last up to 10 days.
In the first few days breathing is extremely difficult, caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or a special gel in the nasal passages.It is important to note that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help more effectively to restore the functionality of the respiratory system.
After removing the materials used, a thorough examination of the nasal cavities and septum is carried out.Further recovery will continue outside of medical facilities, with periodic visits to the doctor for checkups and use of prescribed medications.Without complications, performance can be restored at the time of discharge, even if the swelling takes a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible postoperative complications:
- pain syndrome;
- bruising 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 in the maxillofacial part due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dull sense 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, several rules must be followed:
- do not go to baths/saunas and solariums, do not take hot baths and 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), it is recommended to increase your fluid intake.You should also use prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medications and, if necessary, antibiotics.Also, visit an otolaryngologist in a timely manner.
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 operation.In addition, the medical services provided may cost more if a classic operation is performed and the patient remains in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.