Our Summary

This study looked at a surgical technique to correct a condition called ‘caudal septal deviation’, which can cause a blocked nose and can also affect a person’s appearance. The surgery involves using a piece of cartilage from the patient’s own nasal septum (the wall that divides the two nostrils) to straighten the deviated part.

26 participants with this condition underwent the procedure and were followed up after one month and six months. They measured how blocked the patients’ noses were and how they rated their own symptoms both before and after the surgery.

The results showed that there was a significant improvement in both these measures after surgery. This suggests that this technique is a successful way to manage caudal septal deviation. The surgery is performed through the nostrils, so it does not leave an obvious scar or cause serious complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical technique used to correct caudal septal deviation?
  2. How is the success of the septoplasty measured?
  3. Are there any visible scars or serious complications after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about septoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon. This may include keeping the nasal passages moist with saline spray, avoiding strenuous activities that could raise blood pressure, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It is important to allow the body to properly heal after surgery to achieve the best results and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum that is causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, recurrent sinus infections, facial pain, snoring, or sleep apnea. Septoplasty may also be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the nose that has resulted in a deviated septum. In some cases, septoplasty may also be recommended for cosmetic reasons, such as correcting a crooked or asymmetrical appearance of the nose.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as a blocked nose, difficulty breathing, and potential changes in appearance
  • Patient consults with an ENT specialist to discuss their symptoms and undergo a physical examination
  • ENT specialist may recommend septoplasty as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which involves straightening the deviated part of the nasal septum using cartilage from the patient’s own nose
  • Patient is monitored post-surgery for any complications or side effects
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the days following surgery
  • Patient returns for follow-up appointments at one month and six months post-surgery to assess improvement in symptoms and nasal congestion
  • Results show a significant improvement in nasal congestion and symptoms, suggesting the surgery was successful in managing caudal septal deviation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of septoplasty for correcting caudal septal deviation?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my nasal congestion and symptoms?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for caudal septal deviation?
  7. Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before scheduling the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of before undergoing septoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Chi JC, Lee SD, Lee CY, Liu SY, Ting H, Tsai YJ. Journal: Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Sep 11;10(9):1739. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10091739. PMID: 36141351