Our Summary

This study looked at how a common nose surgery - septoplasty - can affect voice production. The researchers examined patients with a specific type of nasal obstruction before and after their surgery, using a special tool called a laryngeal stroboscope. They also compared these patients’ voices to a control group of healthy individuals. The results showed that after surgery, patients had significant improvements in certain aspects of their voice and throat health. However, other aspects did not show significant improvement. The study concludes that nasal obstruction can be linked to changes in the voice and throat health.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the study about septoplasty?
  2. What is a laryngeal stroboscope and how was it used in the study?
  3. Did the study find significant improvements in all aspects of voice and throat health after septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the nasal passages clean and moist, avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt healing, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, it may be beneficial for patients to work with a speech therapist or vocal coach to help improve voice production and maintain vocal health after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum, which can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. Septoplasty may also be recommended for patients with nasal congestion or obstruction that does not improve with medication or other treatments.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of nasal obstruction such as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic congestion, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who diagnoses a deviated septum and recommends septoplasty as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative assessments, including physical examination, medical history review, and possibly imaging studies, are conducted to determine the extent of the septal deviation and plan the surgery.

During Septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes about 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. The surgeon straightens and repositions the septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.
  3. The surgery may also involve removing excess tissue or cartilage that is contributing to the nasal obstruction.

After Septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the days following the surgery.
  2. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure proper recovery.
  3. Over the following weeks and months, the patient gradually experiences improved nasal airflow, reduced symptoms of nasal obstruction, and better overall breathing.
  4. In some cases, patients may also notice improvements in their voice quality and throat health, as the study mentioned above suggests.
  5. Long-term outcomes of septoplasty may vary, but the majority of patients report significant improvement in their nasal symptoms and quality of life.

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 septoplasty completely alleviate my nasal obstruction or will I still have some degree of blockage?
  4. Will septoplasty improve my voice quality or could it potentially affect my voice in any way?
  5. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my breathing and voice?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to optimize my recovery and voice health?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or treatments after septoplasty?
  8. Is there a possibility that I may need a revision surgery in the future?
  9. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be more suitable for my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Mandour YMH, El Hamshary A, Abdel-Elhay SA, Abdel-Hamid MS, Gomaa M. Journal: Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Dec;75(4):3242-3247. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-03951-7. Epub 2023 Jun 18. PMID: 37974822