Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical technique called extracorporeal septoplasty, which is used to correct severe deformities in the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into halves; when it’s bent or deviated, it can lead to both aesthetic and functional issues. Traditional methods to fix such deformities can sometimes be ineffective, especially for extreme cases.

Extracorporeal septoplasty, first reported in 1995, involves removing the septum, reshaping it outside of the body, and then reinserting it. The study looked at 112 patients who underwent this procedure between 2009 and 2014.

The results of the surgery were evaluated by looking at photographs, carrying out nasal examinations, and asking patients about their symptoms and satisfaction 6 and 12 months after the operation. The results suggested that the surgery significantly improved nasal airflow and the appearance of the nose.

Complications such as holes in the septum, bleeding, and aesthetic issues were minimal, occurring in only 9% of cases. Thus, the study concludes that extracorporeal septoplasty is an effective technique for correcting severe nasal septum deformities, improving both functionality and appearance.

FAQs

  1. What is extracorporeal septoplasty and who first reported about it?
  2. What were the results and complication rates of the extracorporeal septoplasty study conducted from May 2009 to June 2014?
  3. How does septal deviation affect the aesthetic and functional part of the nose?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise. Additionally, patience is key as it may take time for full results to be seen.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those with severe gross septal deviations that are causing functional issues with breathing, as well as aesthetic concerns with the appearance of the nose. Patients with extreme deviations of the septum, especially on the dorsal and caudal end of the cartilaginous septum, may benefit from extracorporeal septoplasty as a surgical technique. This approach can help improve nasal airway function and aesthetic outcomes for patients with challenging septal deviations. Overall, septoplasty is recommended for patients who are experiencing significant nasal obstruction and desire improved nasal function and appearance.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and possibly snoring as a result of a severe septal deviation
  • Patient undergoes consultation with a surgeon who recommends septoplasty to correct the deviation
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Septoplasty surgery is performed, either as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons
  • Patient experiences some discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery
  • Nasal packing may be removed a few days after surgery, allowing the patient to breathe more easily
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess the success of the procedure
  • Over time, patient experiences improved breathing, reduced nasal congestion, and potentially a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the nose.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is septoplasty and how is it different from rhinoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for septoplasty?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  4. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving nasal breathing?
  5. What is the recovery process like after septoplasty?
  6. Will septoplasty affect the appearance of my nose?
  7. How long will the results of septoplasty last?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could address my septal deviation?
  9. How many septoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous septoplasty patients?

Reference

Authors: Ghaisas V, Parab SR. Journal: Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Sep;67(3):205-9. doi: 10.1007/s12070-015-0892-x. Epub 2015 Sep 15. PMID: 26405652