Our Summary

The study looked at how quickly a senior surgeon, already experienced in a specific type of nasal surgery, could learn a new procedure called endoscopic septoplasty. They observed and analyzed the surgeon’s first 100 surgeries, dividing them into five groups of 20, based on the date they were performed. They measured how long each operation took and also checked for any complications during or after the surgery.

The results showed that the more surgeries the surgeon performed, the quicker he became, settling on a consistent time after 60 procedures. On average, he saved about 10 minutes for every 20 surgeries he did. After 40 surgeries, the surgeon also made fewer errors that caused accidental damage to the nasal tissue. There was only a 2% rate of having to switch to a different surgical method due to technical issues, and a 4% rate of a specific complication (postoperative perforation) after the surgery.

The study also found that patients’ symptoms improved after the surgery in all the groups. In conclusion, it seems that after performing 60 of these procedures, an experienced surgeon can become proficient at this technique, taking less time and having fewer complications.

FAQs

  1. How many procedures does it typically take for a senior surgeon to master endoscopic septoplasty?
  2. How does the operative time change as the surgeon gains more experience in endoscopic septoplasty?
  3. What is the rate of conversion to conventional surgery due to technical problems during endoscopic septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to expect some improvement in nasal obstruction and overall breathing after the procedure. It is important to follow postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who suffer from nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum. This procedure may be recommended for patients who have difficulty breathing through their nose, chronic nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, or recurrent sinus infections. Septoplasty may also be recommended for patients who have a deviated septum that is causing snoring or sleep apnea. Additionally, septoplasty may be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the nose that has resulted in a deviated septum.

Timeline

  • Before septoplasty:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms of nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends septoplasty after a physical examination and nasal endoscopy.
  3. Preoperative tests such as CT scan of the sinuses may be done to evaluate the severity of deviated septum and other nasal issues.
  4. Patient undergoes preoperative counseling to understand the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  5. Patient schedules the surgery and follows preoperative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure.
  • After septoplasty:
  1. Patient undergoes endoscopic septoplasty procedure, which typically takes around 20 minutes for an experienced surgeon.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being discharged home on the same day.
  3. Patient experiences mild pain, swelling, and nasal congestion postoperatively, which can be managed with pain medications and nasal sprays.
  4. Patient follows postoperative instructions such as nasal saline irrigation, avoiding strenuous activities, and keeping the head elevated.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  6. Over the next few weeks, patient gradually resumes normal activities as the nasal congestion improves and symptoms of nasal obstruction decrease.
  7. Patient experiences improved nasal breathing, reduced snoring, and decreased frequency of sinus infections in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should consider asking their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What is the purpose of septoplasty and how will it benefit me?
  2. What is your experience with performing endoscopic septoplasty?
  3. What is the success rate of this procedure?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  5. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  6. Will septoplasty improve my breathing and alleviate nasal congestion?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  8. How will my nose look and feel after the surgery?
  9. What care and precautions should I take after the procedure?
  10. How soon can I expect to see the results of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Champagne C, Régloix SB, Genestier L, Crambert A, Maurin O, Pons Y. Journal: Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2016 Jun;133(3):167-70. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Feb 15. PMID: 26898762