Our Summary

This study looks at the long-term effects of a common surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum, which can cause problems with breathing. The researchers reviewed the medical records of patients who had the surgery at a specialist nose clinic between 2007 and 2015. They excluded anyone who had different types of surgery or whose follow-ups and records were incomplete.

Out of the 359 patients included in the study, most were male and the average age was around 37. They were checked up on for an average of just over two years after their surgeries. Short-term issues included post-surgery infection (affecting 3.3% of patients) and nosebleeds that needed treatment (4.5%). Longer-term issues were uncommon, affecting only 2.8% of patients. The most common of these was needing to have the surgery again (2.5%). A very small number (0.3%) experienced a decreased sense of smell. There were no cases of some other potential complications such as scar tissue, holes in the nasal septum, or changes in the shape of the nose.

In conclusion, the results suggest that long-term complications after this type of surgery are rare. The most common issue was needing to have the procedure again.

FAQs

  1. What are the potential short-term and long-term complications of a septoplasty?
  2. What was the most common long-term issue found in the study on septoplasty patients?
  3. Were there any cases of scar tissue, holes in the nasal septum, or changes in the shape of the nose after septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery. This may include keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated nasal septum causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, or nosebleeds. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require surgical intervention to correct. Septoplasty is usually recommended after conservative treatments such as nasal sprays or allergy medications have been unsuccessful in relieving symptoms. Patients who are in good overall health and who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery are generally considered good candidates for septoplasty.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of a deviated nasal septum such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and snoring.
  • Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat specialist who diagnoses a deviated septum and recommends septoplasty.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations, tests, and preparations for surgery.

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery to correct the deviated nasal septum.
  • Patient may experience post-surgery symptoms such as swelling, pain, congestion, and nasal drainage.
  • Patient may need pain medication and saline nasal spray for post-operative care.
  • Patient is monitored for short-term complications such as infection and nosebleeds, which are uncommon but can occur.
  • Patient is followed up for long-term complications, which are rare but may include the need for a repeat surgery or decreased sense of smell.
  • Patient experiences improved breathing and relief from symptoms of a deviated septum after recovery from surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty?
  3. Will I need to take time off work or limit my activities during recovery?
  4. What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my breathing?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  8. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving breathing difficulties?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  10. How often do patients need to have the surgery again in the future?

Reference

Authors: Joshi RR, Riley CA, Kacker A. Journal: Ochsner J. 2019 Winter;19(4):353-356. doi: 10.31486/toj.19.0002. PMID: 31903059