Our Summary

This study was focused on determining the effectiveness of two types of nose surgery (septoplasty alone and septoplasty with added radio frequency ablation) in treating nasal obstruction. The research was conducted on 178 adult patients, both men and women, who suffer from chronic nasal obstruction.

The patients were divided into two groups: one group underwent septoplasty only, while the other group had septoplasty with added radio frequency ablation. Both groups showed a significant improvement over a 24-month period. There was no noticeable difference in the amount of improvement between the two groups, and the type of anesthesia (general or local) used did not significantly affect the results either.

However, the study found that the younger patients (aged 18 to 40) benefited more from the surgery than the older patients.

In simple terms, the study concluded that both types of nose surgeries are effective in treating nasal obstruction. The type of anesthesia doesn’t really matter, but younger patients tend to see better results. Therefore, this type of surgery should be considered for patients who have issues with the shape of their nasal septum and enlarged nasal turbinates.

FAQs

  1. What were the two types of nose surgery studied in the research?
  2. Does the type of anesthesia used in septoplasty affect the outcome?
  3. Did the study find any difference in the effectiveness of the surgery between different age groups?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions diligently to ensure proper healing and to minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the nasal passages clean and moist, avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the nose, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and any necessary adjustments. By following these guidelines, patients can optimize their recovery and improve their overall outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended septoplasty are those who suffer from chronic nasal obstruction due to issues with the shape of their nasal septum and enlarged nasal turbinates. Additionally, younger patients (aged 18 to 40) tend to benefit more from the surgery compared to older patients. Ultimately, septoplasty may be recommended for patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing through their nose due to structural issues.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, and other symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, and frequent sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ENT) who evaluates their symptoms and recommends septoplasty as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative tests such as nasal endoscopy, CT scans, and allergy testing may be performed to assess the extent of the nasal obstruction and plan for surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative counseling and instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding certain medications and following dietary restrictions.

After septoplasty:

  1. Surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, with the surgeon making incisions inside the nose to straighten the deviated septum and reduce the size of the nasal turbinates if needed.
  2. Patient is monitored post-operatively in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital for observation or be discharged the same day.
  3. Patient experiences discomfort, congestion, and swelling in the nose for the first few days after surgery, which is managed with pain medications and nasal decongestants.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with the surgeon to monitor healing progress, remove nasal packing or splints, and address any concerns or complications.
  5. Over the next few weeks to months, patient gradually experiences improved breathing, reduced nasal congestion, and relief from associated symptoms such as snoring and sinus infections.
  6. Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities, blowing the nose forcefully, and exposure to allergens or irritants during the recovery period to promote healing.
  7. Patient may require additional treatments or procedures such as nasal irrigation, steroid sprays, or allergy management to optimize the results of septoplasty and maintain long-term nasal function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  3. Will I need to take any special precautions or follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  4. How long will it take for me to notice an improvement in my nasal obstruction symptoms?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for septoplasty?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty surgeries?
  8. What is the success rate for septoplasty in treating nasal obstruction?
  9. Will I need to follow up with you or another healthcare provider after the surgery for monitoring and evaluation?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes that I should make to improve the outcomes of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Karamese O, Bercin AS, Muderris T, Kiris M. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Sep 1;33(6):1775-1781. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008361. Epub 2021 Nov 5. PMID: 34743159