Our Summary

This research paper discusses the importance of the structures inside the nose, both for the shape of the nose and for regulating airflow. When a person experiences a nose injury, the nasal bone can fracture and cause a deviated septum, which can lead to a collapse of the nasal bone and blockages in the nose. A surgical technique called septoplasty is commonly used to fix these blockages by removing parts of the deviated septum.

In the past, doctors would wait for the nasal bone fracture to heal before performing septoplasty to minimize the risk of nose shape deformities, such as a saddle-nose or flat nose. However, technological advancements have allowed surgeons to perform septoplasty at the same time as fixing the nasal bone fracture.

The paper suggests that it’s crucial to maintain the support structure of the septum during surgery. Therefore, the researchers recommend a modified version of the septoplasty surgery where the septum is realigned to the middle instead of being removed.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of septoplasty surgery?
  2. What advancements in technology have led to improvements in septoplasty techniques?
  3. Why is it important to preserve the septal support structure during septoplasty surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about septoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the nasal area clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending any follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those who have:

  • Nasal obstruction causing difficulty breathing
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Sleep apnea or snoring
  • Chronic headaches or facial pain
  • Deviated septum due to trauma or injury
  • Nasal deformities affecting the appearance of the nose

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist or ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their condition.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and frequent sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ENT) who performs a physical examination and may request imaging studies such as a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis of a deviated septum.
  3. After confirming the diagnosis, the otolaryngologist discusses the risks and benefits of septoplasty with the patient and schedules the surgery.

After Septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes about 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist are scheduled to monitor the healing process and remove any nasal packing or splints.
  4. Patient gradually experiences improved nasal airflow and reduced symptoms of nasal obstruction over the following weeks and months.
  5. Full recovery from septoplasty can take several weeks, during which time the patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon.

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 and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Will septoplasty improve my breathing and alleviate nasal obstruction?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my condition?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  7. Will there be any visible scarring or changes to the appearance of my nose after septoplasty?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative instructions or precautions I should follow to ensure a successful recovery?
  9. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work or exercise, after septoplasty?
  10. What long-term results can I expect from septoplasty in terms of nasal function and overall quality of life?

Reference

Authors: Chen F, Yan Y, Gong H. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Mar-Apr 01;33(2):e116-e117. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007994. PMID: 35385233