Our Summary

This research paper examines the outcomes of two types of surgeries for patients who have nasolacrimal duct obstruction (a blockage in the tear duct). The first surgery, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR), is a procedure that creates a new path for tears to drain from the eye when the tear duct is blocked. The second surgery, nasal septoplasty, is a procedure that straightens the nasal septum (the wall between the nostrils). The researchers looked at patients who had either the endoDCR surgery alone or the endoDCR surgery combined with nasal septoplasty.

They found that both groups had similar success rates, and there were no complications from adding the nasal septoplasty to the endoDCR surgery. Essentially, the study suggests that for people with tear duct blockages who also need their nasal septum straightened, it’s safe and effective to do both surgeries at once.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and nasal septoplasty?
  2. Is it safe to have nasal septoplasty together with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy?
  3. Were the success rates of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy alone and in combination with nasal septoplasty similar in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

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

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum, which can cause difficulty breathing, chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, and snoring. Patients with nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, or a crooked nose may also be candidates for septoplasty. Additionally, patients with septal spurs, septal perforations, or nasal trauma may benefit from septoplasty to correct these issues. Overall, septoplasty is recommended for patients who are experiencing symptoms related to a deviated septum or other nasal structural abnormalities.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with an ENT specialist and discusses symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic sinus infections, or nasal congestion.
  2. ENT specialist conducts a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as a CT scan to assess the nasal anatomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, medication adjustments, and instructions on fasting before surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled, and patient is briefed on post-operative care and potential risks.

After Septoplasty:

  1. Patient wakes up from surgery with nasal packing or splints in place to support the nasal septum as it heals.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any packing or splints.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a few weeks.
  5. Over time, patient experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms such as congestion or sinus infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What is the purpose of a septoplasty and how will it benefit me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. How long is the recovery time after a septoplasty surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. How will septoplasty affect my breathing and overall nasal function?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to septoplasty that I should consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty surgeries?
  8. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving nasal obstruction or other symptoms?
  9. Will I need to have any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the septoplasty surgery to optimize results?

Reference

Authors: Koval T, Zloto O, Yakirevitch A, Ben Simon GJ, Ben-Shoshan J, Ben Artsi E, Weissman A, Priel A. Journal: Eye (Lond). 2020 Aug;34(8):1454-1458. doi: 10.1038/s41433-019-0696-4. Epub 2019 Nov 25. PMID: 31767960