Our Summary

This research paper is an expert guide from the American Rhinologic Society about the surgical procedure known as septoplasty in children. Septoplasty is a surgery that helps correct a deviated septum - a condition where the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nostrils is displaced to one side. The guidelines were created through a process that included reviewing existing research and a panel of experts voting on the validity of the findings.

The paper covers when this surgery should be considered, its safety and effectiveness, the best time to perform the surgery, how to measure the patient’s quality of life after the surgery, and the best surgical techniques. Out of six proposed statements, the experts agreed on five but could not reach a consensus on one of them. The paper also outlines areas where more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What are the appropriate indications for pediatric septoplasty according to the American Rhinologic Society Expert Practice Statement?
  2. What is the safety and efficacy of pediatric septoplasty according to the evidence-based consensus statements?
  3. What are the recommended surgical techniques for pediatric septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential complications. This may include keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those with nasal obstruction due to a deviated nasal septum that is causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, recurrent sinus infections, nasal congestion, and snoring. In pediatric patients, septoplasty may be recommended if conservative treatments such as nasal sprays or allergy medications have not been effective in relieving symptoms. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before Septoplasty:
  1. Patient experiences chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and frequent sinus infections.
  2. Patient may undergo a physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of a deviated septum.
  3. Patient and surgeon discuss the risks and benefits of septoplasty, as well as alternative treatment options.
  4. Surgery is scheduled, and pre-operative instructions are provided to the patient.
  • After Septoplasty:
  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery to correct the deviated septum.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and face immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to care for the surgical site.
  4. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms of nasal congestion.
  6. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding strenuous activities, to aid in the healing process.
  7. Patient’s quality of life improves as they are able to breathe more easily and experience fewer sinus infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with septoplasty?

  2. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty and what can I expect during this time?

  3. Will septoplasty completely alleviate my nasal obstruction or are there other treatment options I should consider?

  4. What are the success rates of septoplasty in pediatric patients and how likely is it that the procedure will need to be repeated in the future?

  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after septoplasty to ensure optimal results?

  6. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty in pediatric patients and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Rose AS, Makary CA, Soler ZM, Kimple AJ, Pearlman AN, Ramaswamy US, Setzen M, Gudis DA. Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2024 Aug;14(8):1363-1374. doi: 10.1002/alr.23397. Epub 2024 Jul 12. PMID: 38995326