Our Summary

This research paper is about a study comparing two methods used after a Septoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. The two methods are transseptal suturing (stitching across the septum) and using intranasal splints. The goal was to see if one method resulted in fewer post-surgery complications, such as bleeding, infections, or issues with the healing of the nasal septum.

The study used data from eight previously published randomized clinical trials, involving 570 participants. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the number of post-surgery complications between the two methods. Therefore, the study concludes that transseptal suturing can be used as an alternative to intranasal splints after a Septoplasty without increasing the risk of complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the study conducted on Septoplasty methods?
  2. What were the two methods compared in the study following a Septoplasty procedure?
  3. Did the study find a significant difference in post-surgery complications between transseptal suturing and using intranasal splints after a Septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding blowing the nose forcefully, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. This will help ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who have a deviated nasal septum that is causing symptoms such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic sinus infections, or frequent nosebleeds. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require surgical intervention to correct. Septoplasty is often recommended for patients who have tried non-surgical treatments, such as nasal sprays or allergy medications, but have not found relief from their symptoms. Additionally, patients who have structural issues in the nasal septum, such as a septal spur or septal perforation, may also be recommended for septoplasty to improve nasal airflow and prevent complications.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a deviated nasal septum, such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and facial pain or headaches.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who diagnoses the deviated septum and recommends septoplasty as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.

After Septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically lasts around one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and congestion in the nose immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day or the day after surgery and instructed on post-operative care, including nasal irrigation and pain management.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and remove any nasal packing or splints used during surgery.
  5. As the nasal tissues heal, the patient’s symptoms of nasal obstruction and other issues related to the deviated septum begin to improve.
  6. Patient may experience some mild discomfort and congestion in the weeks following surgery, but this gradually resolves as the nasal tissues fully heal.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a deviated nasal septum and how does it affect my breathing and overall health?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a Septoplasty procedure?
  3. How will the surgeon determine which method (transseptal suturing or intranasal splints) is best for my individual case?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a Septoplasty and how long can I expect it to take?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to help with the healing process?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my breathing and nasal congestion?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing a Septoplasty?
  8. Will I need to follow up with the surgeon for a post-operative appointment, and if so, what will be discussed during that visit?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that can complement the results of a Septoplasty procedure?
  10. What is the success rate of Septoplasty procedures in general, and how likely is it to provide lasting relief from nasal issues?

Reference

Authors: Aldhwaihy L, Alhazzani H, Alkarzae M. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024 Nov;48(21):4323-4332. doi: 10.1007/s00266-024-04066-2. Epub 2024 May 20. PMID: 38767656