Our Summary

The research paper is about creating an agreed set of guidelines on a type of nose surgery called septoplasty, which can be done with or without another procedure known as inferior turbinate reduction. The guidelines were created by a group of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists who are experts in this field.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum (a condition where the thin wall between your nostrils leans to one side) to improve how the nose functions and/or looks. Inferior turbinate reduction is another procedure that can be done alongside septoplasty to reduce the size of the turbinates, which are small structures within the nose that help to humidify and clean the air that passes through the nostrils.

The expert panel used a method known as the Delphi method to gather and refine their opinions into clear, agreed statements. In the end, they agreed upon 20 statements about various aspects of septoplasty, including how to diagnose the need for the procedure, when to use imaging studies like CT scans, how to manage the patient before and after the surgery, and the kind of outcomes that can be expected.

The aim of these guidelines is to ensure that all ENT specialists are using the best possible methods in their practice when performing septoplasty, with or without inferior turbinate reduction. The overall goal is to reduce differences in how patients are cared for and to improve the quality of care.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the guidelines for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction?
  2. What method did the expert panel use to create the agreed set of guidelines?
  3. What are the expected outcomes of septoplasty as agreed upon in the guidelines?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include avoiding certain medications, preparing for anesthesia, following a specific diet, and taking care of the surgical site after the procedure. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those with symptoms such as nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic sinus infections, facial pain or pressure, nosebleeds, and snoring or sleep apnea. These symptoms are often caused by a deviated septum, which can be corrected through septoplasty. Additionally, patients with a deviated septum that is causing cosmetic concerns, such as a crooked nose or asymmetry, may also be candidates for septoplasty. Ultimately, the decision to recommend septoplasty is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experiences before and after septoplasty:

Before surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, snoring, and/or recurrent sinus infections.
  • Patient sees an ENT specialist for evaluation of their symptoms.
  • ENT specialist performs a physical examination and may order imaging studies like a CT scan to assess the severity of the deviated septum.
  • ENT specialist determines that septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option.
  • Patient is informed about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the surgery.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for the surgery.

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty with or without inferior turbinate reduction.
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room post-surgery for any complications.
  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and congestion in the nose in the days following surgery.
  • Patient is discharged with instructions on how to care for their nose post-surgery, including how to clean and irrigate the nasal passages.
  • Patient may need to take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed by the ENT specialist.
  • Patient follows up with the ENT specialist for post-operative care and to monitor healing progress.
  • Patient gradually experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms of nasal obstruction over the following weeks and months.
  • Patient may need to undergo nasal debridement or other procedures to optimize healing and outcomes.
  • Patient eventually achieves long-term improvement in nasal function and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. Do I have a deviated nasal septum that requires septoplasty?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. Will I need to have inferior turbinate reduction alongside septoplasty?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after septoplasty?
  5. How will septoplasty improve my breathing and/or appearance?
  6. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  7. How many septoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need any imaging studies (such as a CT scan) before the surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  10. How should I prepare for the surgery, and what should I expect during the recovery process?
  11. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?
  12. What are the expected outcomes of septoplasty in terms of breathing improvement and cosmetic appearance?
  13. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to optimize results?
  14. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are they for?
  15. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?
  16. What is the long-term prognosis for my condition after septoplasty?
  17. How soon can I return to normal daily activities, such as work or exercise, after the surgery?
  18. How will you ensure that the results of the surgery meet my expectations?
  19. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  20. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Han JK, Stringer SP, Rosenfeld RM, Archer SM, Baker DP, Brown SM, Edelstein DR, Gray ST, Lian TS, Ross EJ, Seiden AM, Setzen M, Tollefson TT, Ward PD, Welch KC, Wise SK, Nnacheta LC. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Nov;153(5):708-20. doi: 10.1177/0194599815606435. PMID: 26527752