Our Summary

This research paper is looking into whether a common surgery for children with nasal breathing problems, called septoplasty, causes any negative effects on the growth of their faces. This is a concern because the nose is a key part of facial growth. The researchers looked at multiple sources, including databases of medical studies, to find information on this topic. They found eight relevant studies, none of which reported any major issues with facial growth after the surgery. Only four of these studies mentioned minor nasal irregularities. Therefore, the paper concludes that this type of surgery doesn’t appear to negatively affect facial growth in children, based on the evidence available. However, they also note that these studies aren’t able to provide a very high level of recommendation due to the way they were designed.

FAQs

  1. Does septoplasty cause any negative effects on the growth of children’s faces?
  2. What type of irregularities were reported in some of the studies after septoplasty surgery?
  3. Why can’t the studies provide a high level of recommendation regarding the impact of septoplasty on facial growth?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding strenuous activities that could impact healing. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum, which is a condition where the thin wall between the nostrils is off-center or crooked. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections. Septoplasty is often recommended for patients who have tried other conservative treatments such as nasal decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, or allergy medications without success. Additionally, patients who have nasal obstruction due to trauma or injury may also be candidates for septoplasty. It is important for patients to consult with an otolaryngologist or ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections.
  • Patient consults with an ENT specialist who will assess their condition and recommend septoplasty if deemed necessary.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the deviated septum, typically performed under general anesthesia.
  • Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and drainage from the nose in the days following surgery.
  • Patient may be prescribed pain medication and instructed to follow post-operative care instructions to promote healing.
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
  • Patient experiences improved nasal breathing, reduced symptoms of congestion and snoring, and overall better quality of life post-septoplasty.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will septoplasty completely solve my nasal breathing problems or will I need additional treatment?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for septoplasty?
  5. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  7. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvement in my nasal breathing?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing septoplasty?
  9. Can you provide me with information on the recovery process, including pain management and potential complications?
  10. How should I prepare for the surgery and what should I expect on the day of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Calvo-Henríquez C, Neves JC, Arancibia-Tagle D, Chiesa-Estomba C, Lechien JR, Mayo-Yáñez M, Martinez-Capoccioni G, Martin-Martin C. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Jun;277(6):1565-1574. doi: 10.1007/s00405-020-05919-7. Epub 2020 Mar 21. PMID: 32200434