Our Summary

This research paper discusses a unique case where a patient experienced chronic nerve pain after undergoing septoplasty (a surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum). This kind of pain is usually unexpected as post-surgery pain tends to be mild and short-lived.

The patient, who had asthma but no previous history of pain, started experiencing this pain a while after the surgery. The doctors ruled out other possible causes of the nerve pain and were able to manage it effectively by applying a local anaesthetic inside the patient’s nose.

The researchers looked into other studies and found reports of long-term pain after septoplasty only in cases where there were issues like contact points or nasal tumors. There were also instances of a condition called allodynia (where normal touch or pressure causes pain) immediately after septoplasty due to accidental damage to a facial nerve. But this specific case, where nerve pain was triggered by certain environmental factors and started a while after the surgery, was unique.

Successfully managing this pain had a big positive impact on the patient’s life, as facial pain can be extremely distressing and disruptive.

FAQs

  1. What is the expected level of postoperative pain following a septoplasty?
  2. What is delayed-onset neuropathic pain and has it been previously reported in septoplasty patients?
  3. How was the case of delayed-onset neuropathic pain after septoplasty managed in the patient mentioned in the article?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to expect mild postoperative pain that should improve within a few days. It is rare to experience chronic pain following the procedure, but if any unusual or severe pain persists, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those with a deviated septum causing nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, chronic sinus infections, or recurrent nosebleeds. Additionally, patients with nasal trauma or deformities may also benefit from septoplasty.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections.
  • Patient may undergo a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies to diagnose a deviated septum.
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as nasal sprays, decongestants, and allergy medications to manage symptoms.

After Septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct the deviated septum, typically done under general anesthesia.
  • Postoperative pain is expected to be mild and limited to a few days after the operation.
  • Patient may experience nasal congestion, swelling, and mild discomfort during the recovery period.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Patient gradually experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms such as snoring and sinus infections.
  • Chronic pain following the procedure is rare, but in some cases, delayed-onset neuropathic pain may occur.
  • In rare cases of chronic pain, further evaluation and treatment may be necessary, including the possibility of intranasal local anaesthesia administration for pain management.

Overall, septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for correcting a deviated septum and improving nasal breathing. Most patients experience a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  2. How long is the typical recovery period after septoplasty?
  3. What can I expect in terms of postoperative pain and how can it be managed?
  4. Are there any specific activities or behaviors I should avoid during my recovery?
  5. How soon after the surgery can I return to work or normal activities?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the septoplasty?
  7. What should I do if I experience any unexpected or severe pain after the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or concerns I should be aware of following septoplasty?
  9. How likely is it for me to experience chronic pain or neuropathic pain after the surgery?
  10. What steps can be taken to prevent or manage chronic pain if it does occur after septoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Koumpa FS, Ferguson M, Saleh H. Journal: Case Rep Otolaryngol. 2021 Dec 22;2021:9966318. doi: 10.1155/2021/9966318. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34976424