Our Summary

This research paper is about a study comparing two types of surgery for people with a deviated nasal septum: endoscopic septoplasty and conventional septoplasty. A deviated nasal septum can cause issues like headaches, reduced sense of smell, nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, and snoring.

The study found that both types of surgeries had similar amounts of operation time and blood loss. However, patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty showed a greater improvement in symptoms and had fewer complications after surgery. These complications included nosebleeds, blood clots, continued nasal obstruction, leftover deviations or spurs in the septum, holes in the septum, and abnormal tissue connections.

In simpler terms, using a tiny camera to help guide the surgery (endoscopic septoplasty) resulted in better symptom relief and fewer problems after surgery compared to the traditional method. This suggests that endoscopic septoplasty might be a safer and more effective treatment for a deviated nasal septum.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of surgeries studied for treating a deviated nasal septum?
  2. What benefits were found in patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty compared to conventional septoplasty?
  3. Does the study suggest that endoscopic septoplasty is a safer and more effective treatment for a deviated nasal septum?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering septoplasty to ask their surgeon about the possibility of undergoing endoscopic septoplasty, as it may lead to better outcomes and fewer complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who have a deviated nasal septum causing symptoms such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, chronic sinus infections, snoring, headaches, or other related issues. These symptoms can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and may not improve with conservative treatments like medications or nasal sprays.

Additionally, patients who have tried non-surgical treatments for their deviated septum but have not experienced relief may be good candidates for septoplasty. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if septoplasty is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Overall, individuals with persistent symptoms related to a deviated nasal septum that significantly affect their daily life and have not responded to other treatments may benefit from septoplasty.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a deviated nasal septum such as headaches, nasal obstruction, reduced sense of smell, post-nasal drip, and snoring.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends septoplasty as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

After septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes either endoscopic septoplasty or conventional septoplasty surgery.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may stay overnight in the hospital for observation.
  3. Patient experiences post-operative symptoms such as pain, swelling, and congestion.
  4. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including medication management and nasal care.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as reduced nasal obstruction, improved sense of smell, and decreased snoring.
  7. Patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty show greater symptom relief and fewer complications compared to those who underwent conventional septoplasty.

Overall, septoplasty can provide significant relief for patients with a deviated nasal septum, with endoscopic septoplasty showing potential advantages in terms of symptom improvement and post-operative complications.

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 take time off work or make any lifestyle changes during the recovery period?
  4. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to ensure a successful recovery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. Can you explain the differences between endoscopic septoplasty and conventional septoplasty, and why one may be recommended over the other?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for septoplasty surgery?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unexpected or severe symptoms after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kim DH, Kim SW, Hwang SH. Journal: Clin Otolaryngol. 2023 Mar;48(2):108-121. doi: 10.1111/coa.14021. Epub 2023 Jan 6. PMID: 36537862