Our Summary

This article explains a technique called endoscopic septoplasty, a surgery performed through the nose to fix a deviated septum (the cartilage and bone that separate the nostrils). The procedure involves 10 steps and has been successful in 97% of cases three months after surgery. However, if the front part of the nasal septum is deviated, a traditional surgery is required instead. The paper provides a detailed guide to this technique and discusses its challenges and helpful tips.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic septoplasty and what is it used for?
  2. What is the success rate for endoscopic septoplasty?
  3. Why is traditional surgery required if the front part of the nasal septum is deviated?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. This may include keeping the nasal passages moist, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for any scheduled appointments to monitor your recovery progress.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those with:

  1. Deviated septum causing nasal obstruction: Patients who have difficulty breathing through their nose due to a deviated septum may benefit from septoplasty to improve airflow.

  2. Chronic sinusitis: Patients with chronic sinusitis that is not relieved with medication may be recommended for septoplasty to help improve sinus drainage.

  3. Recurrent nosebleeds: Patients who experience frequent nosebleeds due to a deviated septum may benefit from septoplasty to help prevent future bleeding episodes.

  4. Sleep apnea: Patients with sleep apnea may be recommended for septoplasty if a deviated septum is contributing to their breathing difficulties during sleep.

  5. Facial pain or headaches: Patients experiencing facial pain or headaches as a result of a deviated septum may be recommended for septoplasty to help alleviate their symptoms.

  6. Difficulty using CPAP machine: Patients with sleep apnea who have difficulty using a CPAP machine due to nasal obstruction may benefit from septoplasty to improve their ability to use the machine effectively.

It is important for patients to consult with an ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a deviated septum such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, and snoring.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends septoplasty as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.

During Septoplasty:

  1. Patient is placed under general anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon makes an incision inside the nose and reshapes or removes the deviated portion of the septum.
  3. Nasal packing may be placed to support the septum during healing.
  4. Surgery typically takes 30-90 minutes to complete.

After Septoplasty:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion.
  2. Patient is monitored for any post-operative complications and may be discharged the same day or stay overnight for observation.
  3. Patient is given instructions on post-operative care, including pain management, nasal irrigation, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Three months after surgery, most patients experience significant improvement in nasal breathing and reduction in symptoms associated with a deviated septum.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty?
  3. Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes during my recovery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could help with my deviated septum?
  5. What is the success rate of endoscopic septoplasty compared to traditional septoplasty?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my breathing after the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after septoplasty?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  10. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures, and what is your success rate with this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pons Y, Champagne C, Genestier L, Ballivet de Régloix S. Journal: Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2015 Dec;132(6):353-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2015.08.032. Epub 2015 Sep 8. PMID: 26362491