Our Summary

This research paper discusses a type of nose surgery called extracorporeal septoplasty. It is used for serious deformities of the nasal septum, which is the bone and cartilage in the nose that separates the nostrils. The procedure involves removing the septum, correcting deformities, and then reconstructing it.

However, this surgery can have drawbacks, like blood clots in the septum, swelling, and changes to the shape of the nose. These issues can cause functional problems like difficulty breathing. To address these problems, the researchers developed a new stitching technique to secure the reconstructed septum and prevent changes or narrowing of the internal nasal valve, which helps control airflow in the nose.

The study looked at adult patients who had this surgery at Imola Hospital from 2011 to 2013. They measured the patients’ nasal function before and after surgery using tools that assess airflow and the shape of the nasal cavity.

The results showed that the surgery, with the new stitching technique, significantly improved nasal function. Therefore, the researchers concluded that this surgical technique is effective and can be replicated, providing good results.

FAQs

  1. What is extracorporeal septoplasty and when is it used?
  2. What are some potential drawbacks of extracorporeal septoplasty?
  3. What improvements were observed with the use of the new stitching technique in extracorporeal septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal area clean and dry, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and adjustments as needed. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for septoplasty are those who have severe nasal septum deformities that are causing functional problems such as difficulty breathing. These deformities can be caused by trauma, genetics, or other medical conditions. Patients may also have symptoms such as nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, or sleep apnea that are not relieved by other treatments.

Patients who have tried conservative treatments such as nasal sprays, decongestants, and allergy medications without success may also be candidates for septoplasty. Additionally, patients who have chronic sinus infections or recurring sinusitis due to a deviated septum may benefit from this surgery.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo septoplasty is made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified ENT specialist after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and snoring.
  2. Patient meets with an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a consultation and evaluation of their nasal septum.
  3. Specialist may recommend septoplasty if the patient has a deviated septum causing significant breathing issues.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the nose and surrounding areas immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day or the following day, with instructions for post-operative care and pain management.
  4. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow for proper healing.
  5. Over the next few weeks, patient may experience gradual improvement in breathing and reduction in symptoms such as nasal congestion.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the specialist to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
  7. Patient may require nasal packing removal, nasal irrigation, and other post-operative care measures as part of the recovery process.
  8. Patient can expect to see significant improvement in nasal function and overall quality of life in the months following septoplasty.

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 any medications after the surgery?
  4. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my breathing?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after septoplasty?
  6. Can you explain the specific surgical technique you will be using for my septoplasty?
  7. What are the success rates for septoplasty with the new stitching technique?
  8. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty surgeries?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to improve my recovery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about septoplasty that I can review before making a decision?

Reference

Authors: Tasca I, Compadretti GC, Losano TI, Lijdens Y, Boccio C. Journal: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Aug;38(4):331-337. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-1525. PMID: 30197424