Our Summary

The paper compares two types of surgery for a deviated nasal septum, a common cause of nasal obstruction. A deviated septum can make breathing difficult and lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, sleep disturbances and snoring. Traditional surgeries have had limited success, but endoscopic septoplasty, a less invasive procedure, is becoming more popular.

The study involved 50 patients, split evenly into two groups. One group underwent traditional surgery, while the other had endoscopic septoplasty. The researchers followed up with the patients 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after surgery.

They found that endoscopic septoplasty had several advantages over traditional surgery. It took less time, resulted in less blood loss, and led to fewer post-operative complications. Patients who had endoscopic septoplasty also reported a better quality of life after the procedure, as measured by the NOSE Score, a tool used to assess nasal obstruction and its impact on quality of life. Both types of surgery were effective at relieving nasal obstruction, but endoscopic septoplasty showed significantly better results in several areas.

FAQs

  1. What is a deviated nasal septum and what problems can it cause?
  2. What are the differences between traditional surgery and endoscopic septoplasty for a deviated septum?
  3. How does endoscopic septoplasty impact the quality of life compared to traditional surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about septoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding strenuous activity, and attending all follow-up appointments. This will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who have a deviated nasal septum that is causing symptoms such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, chronic sinusitis, nosebleeds, sleep disturbances, and snoring. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require surgical intervention to alleviate them. Septoplasty may be recommended for patients who have not seen improvement with other forms of treatment, such as medications or nasal sprays. Additionally, patients who have severe nasal obstruction that is affecting their daily activities or sleep may also be candidates for septoplasty.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient may experience difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Patient may have symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, nosebleeds, sleep disturbances, and snoring
  • Patient may undergo a consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss treatment options
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as a CT scan to determine the extent of the deviated septum
  • Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications or supplements before the surgery
  • Patient may need to fast before the surgery
  • Patient may be given pre-operative instructions by the surgeon

After septoplasty:

  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the nose and eyes
  • Patient may have nasal packing or splints in place to support the septum during healing
  • Patient may be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection
  • Patient may need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks
  • Patient may need to follow up with the surgeon for post-operative care and removal of packing or splints
  • Patient may experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms of nasal obstruction
  • Patient may notice a better quality of life and improved sleep after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty surgery?

  3. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?

  4. How soon after the surgery can I return to work or normal activities?

  5. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions, such as nasal irrigation or medication?

  6. How long do the results of septoplasty surgery typically last?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options for a deviated nasal septum that I should consider?

  8. How experienced are you in performing endoscopic septoplasty compared to traditional septoplasty?

  9. What are the expected outcomes of endoscopic septoplasty compared to traditional septoplasty in terms of nasal obstruction relief and quality of life improvement?

  10. Are there any specific factors about my individual case that make me a better candidate for one type of septoplasty surgery over the other?

Reference

Authors: Bhardwaj H, Kalsotra G, Kalsotra P, Singh P, Saraf A. Journal: Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Sep;75(3):1724-1730. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-03720-6. Epub 2023 Mar 29. PMID: 37636711