Our Summary

This research looks at the use of a specific type of nasal surgery, called endoscopic septoplasty, at a hospital over a three-year period. This type of surgery is not done very often, especially in the researchers’ country, due to a lack of facilities and experienced surgeons. The surgery is minimally invasive and is used to correct deformities in the nasal septum, which is the tissue that separates the two nostrils.

The researchers examined the medical records of all patients who underwent this surgery during the study period. They found that 14 patients had the surgery, the majority of whom were men. All of the patients had problems with nasal blockages and deviated nasal septum, which is when the septum is displaced to one side.

The surgery was mainly performed to correct deviated nasal septum. The results showed that the surgery was safe and had good outcomes, with only two patients experiencing nasal adhesions, a minor complication where scar tissue forms inside the nose. All patients stayed in the hospital for between three to five days after the surgery and were successfully discharged. Overall, the study concluded that this type of surgery is safe, mainly used for deviated nasal septum, and has good results for patients.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic septoplasty and why is it not done very often?
  2. What kind of deformities does endoscopic septoplasty correct?
  3. What were the outcomes and complications of the endoscopic septoplasty surgeries conducted during the study period?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal results from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those who have:

  • Nasal blockages
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal injuries or trauma

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition. Septoplasty is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure for improving nasal airflow and addressing related symptoms.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of nasal blockages and difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Patient may have undergone diagnostic tests such as a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies to determine the cause of their symptoms
  • Patient and surgeon discuss treatment options, including the possibility of septoplasty
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations for the surgery

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes endoscopic septoplasty surgery to correct deviated nasal septum
  • Patient stays in the hospital for three to five days post-surgery for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following the surgery
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including medication, nasal irrigation, and avoiding strenuous activities
  • Patient has follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Patient experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms of nasal blockages in the weeks and months following the surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the septoplasty surgery?
  2. Am I a suitable candidate for septoplasty?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after septoplasty?
  5. How long will it take for me to see the full results of the surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions?
  7. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  8. What are the alternatives to septoplasty that I should consider?
  9. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty surgeries?
  10. What can I expect in terms of improvement in my nasal breathing and overall quality of life after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ngamdu YB, Kirfi AM, Adamu A, Abubakar A, Edem KP, Ahmad BM. Journal: J West Afr Coll Surg. 2023 Apr-Jun;13(2):78-81. doi: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_247_22. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 37228873