Septoplasty

A surgical procedure is done to straighten the bone and cartilage dividing the area between the two nostrils. This cartilaginous wall is called the septum. When the septum is crooked, it is called a deviated septum. This can make it hard for you to breathe through your nose and can also increase the risk of sinus infections because of poor drainage.

During a septoplasty surgery, your nasal septum is repositioned to the middle of your nose. This may require your surgeon to cut out the deviated part of your nasal septum before reinserting it in the correct position.

 Once the wound is healed, you’ll likely find it easier to breathe.

Why do you need a Septoplasty?

Having a deviated septum is quite a common occurrence and does not require any treatment as long as it does not cause any discomfort. However, when it is severe, it can cause a blockage on one side of the nose and reduce airflow. This would cause breathing difficulty from either one or both sides of the nose. 

Hence, during the surgery when the septum is removed, straightened and positioned back, it helps to open and improve the airflow through the nose.

During the Procedure

The procedure involves trimming, repositioning and replacing the cartilage or bone to straighten the deviation. The surgery is performed by making incisions inside the nose and in some cases a small incision between the nostrils. The whole operation is performed in such a way that ensures no marks or scars are visible. From here, the septum is straightened and replaced which allows for a more open airway.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain. By the time the patient is woken up, the surgery has already finished. To prevent post-operative bleeding, a bandage-like packing may be placed in your nose for a while.

What are the risks associated with a septoplasty?

Like with any surgery, septoplasty also carries risks such as local infection, bleeding and the possibility of a reaction to the anaesthetic. Some other risks include:
1. A change in the shape of your nose
2. A tiny hole in the septum
3. A decrease in the sense of smell
4. Temporary numbness in the teeth, upper gum or nose

However, it is important to note that these are very rare and are minimized by thorough pre-operative planning and investigations.

Post-Operative Management

After the surgery, the patient is usually allowed to go home the same day itself. However, if your doctor feels you need to be kept under observation for another day, you would be allowed to go home the next day.

The patient needs to rest for a couple of days and can resume normal work after about 2 days. However, strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, jogging, etc. are not allowed for 1 month as they may cause nosebleeds. Patients are also advised against heavily blowing their nose as this could also cause a nosebleed.

 A month after the surgery, the nasal tissues would have completely healed and you would be allowed to continue all normal activities as before.