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Alternative names Return to top
Nasal septum repairDefinition Return to top
Septoplasty is an operation that corrects any defects or deformities of the nasal septum, which is the wall between the two nostrils.
See also rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery).
Description Return to top
The goal of the surgery is to straighten out the nasal septum or to relieve obstructions or other problems related to deviation of the septum.
An incision is made internally on one side of the nasal septum. The mucous membrane is lifted away from the cartilage and bone, obstructive parts are removed or repositioned as necessary, and plastic surgery is performed as necessary. Then, the mucous membrane is returned to its original position. The tissues covering the septum are held in place by either stitches or packing.
Indications Return to top
The main conditions that call for nasal surgery are:
Nasal airway obstruction is usually the result of a septal deformity that causes breathing by mouth, sleep apnea, or recurrent nasal infections. A septal spur headache is defined as a headache caused by pressure from the nasal septum on the inside of the nose (septal impaction) that is relieved by anesthetic applied directly to the septal impaction.
Other intranasal surgeries that may be modified to include septoplasty include the following:
People who snort drugs such as cocaine in large quantities for long periods of time may require this surgery if drug use has damaged the septum.
Risks Return to top
Expectations after surgery Return to top
The surgery can be done either under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis or under general anesthesia during a short hospital stay. After surgery, both sides of the nose may be tightly packed to avoid bleeding and serve as a splint to hold the mucosa in place. Packing is usually removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery.Convalescence Return to top
To help the healing, it is recommended that you avoid blowing the nose or performing any Valsalva maneuver (for example, when you hold your breath and tighten your muscles while bearing down for a bowel movement) for a few days after surgery. Ice packs on the nose will enhance comfort. Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |