Septoplasty

Septoplasty is surgery to correct problems in the nasal septum, the wall inside the nose that separates the nostrils. The surgery usually means a correction of a bent or deformed nasal septum that blocks the airway in the nose. People with this condition usually breathe through their mouth  or develop recurrent or permanent inflammation of the sinuses, the middle ear, or the throat. Septoplasty may also help people with uncontrollable nosebleeds and it is used to repair smaller hole in the nasal septum. Most people with deviated septa do not have any symptoms; usually only sever cases produce significant symptoms that require surgery. Many septoplasties are performed as a part of plastic surgery of the nose. 

The surgery

Patients must not eat on the day of the surgery. The surgery can  be done both in local or under  general anaesthesia.

After making a cut on the side of the wall inside the nose, the surgeon lifts the mucus membrane that covers the wall and removes the cartilage or bone that causes the blockage in the area. After putting the mucus membrane back, the surgeon uses stitches, splints or packaging material to keep it in place.

After surgery

After surgery, both sides of the nose may be tightly packed with cotton materials to prevent nosebleeds. Usually this packing is removed the day after surgery.

Patients should keep their head elevated while resting during the first one or two days after surgery. Most patients do not experience significant amounts of pain. Pain can be managed with pain relievers. Applying ice pack on the nose may enhance comfort during the recovery period. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, and brush their teeth gently to limit movement of the upper lip. They mustn't blow their nose for a week.

Complications and risks

The risks from septoplasty are similar to those from other operations: allergic reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection,  rarely later perforation of the septum.

You can avoid most complications by choosing the right surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.

TIME OF STAY

8 days (1 day in Hospital)