Our Summary

This research paper explores the use of an automated method for planning nose surgeries aimed at treating nasal airway obstruction (NAO), a condition that can make it hard for people to breathe through their nose. Current manual methods for planning these surgeries can be time-consuming and the surgeries themselves often have a high failure rate, with up to half of patients still experiencing symptoms after the operation.

The researchers created a virtual model or ‘atlas’ of a healthy nose, which they then used to plan ‘virtual’ surgeries on the noses of 26 patients suffering from NAO. This involved using computer software to automatically adjust the shape of the patients’ noses to match the ‘healthy’ model.

This method was successful in most cases - in 69% of patients, their nasal passages became more symmetrically shaped after the virtual surgery, which suggests that the flow of air through their noses would have been improved.

The researchers believe that this automated method could make it much easier and quicker to carry out simulations of how nasal airflow might be affected by surgery. However, more research is needed to see if the results of these virtual surgeries accurately predict how patients’ symptoms might improve following real-life surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the automated method for planning nose surgeries?
  2. How does the automated method for planning surgeries work?
  3. Did the automated method prove successful in trials and what further research is needed?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing septoplasty to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding activities that could cause injury to the nose. They may also recommend using saline nasal sprays or irrigations to keep the nasal passages moist and reduce swelling. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to follow up with regular appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who suffer from nasal airway obstruction (NAO) due to a deviated septum. Symptoms of NAO include difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. Patients may also experience facial pain, headaches, and reduced sense of smell.

Septoplasty is recommended for patients who have tried other non-surgical treatments such as nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroid sprays without success. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Overall, patients who are good candidates for septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum that is causing significant nasal airway obstruction and impacting their quality of life. Septoplasty can help improve nasal airflow, reduce symptoms of NAO, and improve overall quality of life for these patients.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of nasal airway obstruction, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, and chronic sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat specialist who diagnoses a deviated septum as the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Patient undergoes a physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
  4. Patient and surgeon discuss the risks and benefits of septoplasty surgery, as well as the expected recovery time.
  5. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions.

After septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes about 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and surrounding areas immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital or surgical center the same day and instructed on how to care for their nose post-operatively.
  4. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  5. Over the following weeks and months, patient experiences improved nasal airflow and reduced symptoms of nasal airway obstruction.
  6. Patient may need to use nasal saline sprays or nasal irrigation to keep the nasal passages clear during the healing process.
  7. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and may notice continued improvement in nasal breathing over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving nasal airway obstruction?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will septoplasty completely alleviate my symptoms of nasal airway obstruction or will I still experience some symptoms?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to septoplasty that I should consider?
  6. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures?
  7. Can you show me before and after photos of previous septoplasty patients you have treated?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions after the surgery?
  9. How soon after septoplasty can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?
  10. What should I do if my symptoms do not improve or worsen after septoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Vicory J, Garcia GJM, Rhee JS, Enquobahrie A. Journal: Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. 2022 Feb;17(2):403-411. doi: 10.1007/s11548-021-02524-9. Epub 2021 Nov 27. PMID: 34837564