Our Summary

This study was conducted to understand the long-term results of nasal surgery, also known as septoplasty, in children. The researchers were particularly interested in comparing the outcomes of children under 14 years old with those who are 14 years and older. They looked back at the records of all patients who had this surgery at their hospital between 2009 and 2016. Overall, they found that the younger the child was at the time of the surgery, the more likely they were to need a second surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between the two age groups. This is the largest study of its kind, but more research is needed to confirm whether nasal surgery is beneficial for children.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study on septoplasty in children?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the need for a second surgery in children who had undergone septoplasty?
  3. Was there any significant difference in the rate of complications for septoplasty between the two age groups studied?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal passages moist with saline spray, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum, which is a condition where the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavity is off-center or crooked. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, sinus infections, snoring, and sleep apnea. Septoplasty is often recommended for patients who have tried other treatments, such as medication or nasal sprays, without success. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the right treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, or snoring.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist to determine if septoplasty is necessary.
  3. Otolaryngologist conducts a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as a CT scan to assess the nasal anatomy.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and may need to stop taking certain medications or avoid eating or drinking before the surgery.

After septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty, a surgical procedure to straighten the nasal septum and improve airflow.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may be discharged the same day or stay overnight for observation.
  3. Patient experiences mild to moderate pain, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
  5. Patient gradually experiences improved breathing and reduced nasal symptoms over the next few weeks to months.
  6. Patient may require a second surgery if there are complications or persistent symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of septoplasty and how will it benefit me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. What is the success rate of septoplasty in treating my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after septoplasty and how long will it take?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional surgeries or treatments in the future?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to septoplasty that I should consider?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my chances of a successful outcome?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery to maintain the results?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow during the recovery period?

Reference

Authors: Bishop R, Sethia R, Allen D, Elmaraghy CA. Journal: Transl Pediatr. 2021 Nov;10(11):2883-2887. doi: 10.21037/tp-21-359. PMID: 34976754