Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed if indicated.Existing septal defects are often accompanied not only by decreased respiratory function and related 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 reduces the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of their occurrence.The operation can be performed if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncology or infectious diseases.In addition, at the time of the operation, the patient should not have an acute respiratory viral infection or an acute respiratory infection.
Patients should undergo surgery if they have the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, hump, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- decreased sense of smell;
- frequent congestion;
- you always feel dry 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, and the need for surgical correction of curvature is decided together by the patient and the otolaryngologist after examination, including with the help of endoscopy.
In some cases, surgery is performed for other health problems.Therefore, correcting the septum in the nose for people with bronchial diseases (for example, asthma) provides a more complete function of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed after laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood tests;
- blood test for infection;
- blood test for clotting (coagulogram);
- check blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
This list is expanded by the doctor's decision if there are suitable indications in the patient's medical history.
In addition, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance by avoiding:
- taking pharmaceutical drugs that affect blood clotting (Aspirin, Heparin, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation of male patients also includes facial hair removal.
Technique
Surgery can be performed under appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects the tissues and structures without involving the bony part, then general anesthesia is not required.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.When disturbing the bone structure, surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.Pain relief methods can also be complicated.
Modern surgery offers several ways to perform surgery.Here classical surgical methods and laser surgery to correct the protruding nasal septum.In this case, the traditional use of a scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without an external incision.Mechanical action with a scalpel is performed 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.Due to the fact that the incision is only on the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams, and hence scars, here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation can be performed in the presence of small disorders that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is carried out in two ways:
- Septum correction uses a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue for subsequent removal of excess processes and curvature.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity by heating it with a laser at a high temperature.Then it is 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 operational complexity, the duration of which should not take more than half an hour;no incision 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 at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of further infection and also promotes healing;
- due to the characteristics mentioned above, the recovery period after surgery does not last long and can be carried out on an outpatient basis without supervision at all times;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period does not suffer, because there is no swelling and severe hematoma.
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 stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and assist in the healing process.The inpatient period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is very difficult, which is caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or special gels in the nasal passages.Keep in mind that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help restore the function of the respiratory system more effectively.
After removing the used material, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum is carried out.Further rehabilitation will continue outside the medical facility with regular visits to the doctor for checkups and the use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, performance can be restored at the time of discharge, although the swelling takes longer.
Possible complications
Complications that may occur in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- hematoma and swelling;
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of channels through which connect the nasal passages;
- numbness in the maxillofacial area due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dullness of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- various types of nose deformities.
To reduce the condition during the recovery period and to avoid possible complications, you must follow some rules:
- do not visit baths/saunas and solariums, do not take hot showers and baths;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- do not eat hot food and drink.
To avoid unnecessary stress and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
To avoid dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), increased fluid intake is recommended.You should also use prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and, if necessary, antibiotics.In addition, visit an ENT specialist on time.
Depending on the chosen institution, the operating costs are determined.For most patients, the services of private medical institutions seem to be the most acceptable.Therefore, the price will vary depending on the price list of the clinic and the type of operation.In addition, the medical services provided may be more expensive if classical surgery is performed and the patient remains in the clinic during the recovery period.