Our Summary

Septoplasty is a common procedure used to fix issues with the structure of the nose that can cause breathing problems. It’s usually effective and patients are typically happy with the results. However, this procedure only corrects one specific issue, which is a deviated septum (when the wall between your nostrils is crooked or off-center). There are many other structural issues that can cause nasal obstructions, involving different parts of the nose and the surrounding area. Therefore, septoplasty by itself isn’t enough to fix most structural nose problems. A broader approach, called nasal ventilation expansion surgery, which fixes more types of structural issues, is usually a better choice for treating these types of problems.

FAQs

  1. What is septoplasty and what issues does it address?
  2. If septoplasty only corrects a deviated septum, what surgery is recommended for other structural nose problems?
  3. What is nasal ventilation expansion surgery and how does it differ from septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

Additionally, after septoplasty, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping your head elevated while sleeping, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and address any concerns. By following these recommendations, you can help ensure a successful recovery and improved nasal breathing function.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum and are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, or snoring. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may be improved with septoplasty.

It’s important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if septoplasty is the most appropriate treatment option for their specific nasal issues. In some cases, additional procedures may be recommended in conjunction with septoplasty to achieve optimal results.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Consultation with an ENT specialist: The patient will meet with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to discuss their symptoms, medical history, and undergo a physical examination to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment.

  2. Pre-operative testing: The patient may need to undergo pre-operative tests such as blood work, imaging studies, and possibly a nasal endoscopy to further evaluate the nasal structure.

  3. Pre-operative instructions: The patient will receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding certain medications, fasting before the procedure, and arranging for transportation to and from the surgical facility.

During septoplasty:

  1. Anesthesia: The patient will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

  2. Surgery: The surgeon will make incisions inside the nose to access the septum and then reshape or straighten it to improve airflow.

  3. Recovery: After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home with instructions for post-operative care.

After septoplasty:

  1. Recovery period: The patient will experience some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the days following the surgery. Pain medication and nasal sprays may be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.

  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress, remove any packing or splints in the nose, and ensure proper healing.

  3. Long-term outcomes: Most patients experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms of nasal obstruction after septoplasty. However, it may take several weeks to months for the full benefits of the surgery to be realized.

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after septoplasty involves consultation, preparation, surgery, recovery, and follow-up care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty:

  1. What specifically is causing my breathing problems that makes me a candidate for septoplasty?
  2. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific nasal issues?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with septoplasty?
  4. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving breathing function?
  5. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or attend follow-up appointments?
  7. Are there any factors that may make me a less ideal candidate for septoplasty?
  8. How soon after the procedure can I expect to see improvements in my breathing?
  9. What can I do to maintain the results of septoplasty in the long term?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the experience and success rate of performing septoplasty with other patients in the past?

Reference

Authors: Liu JF, Yan ZF, Zhang ZJ, Wang NY. Journal: World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Jul 4;7(4):322-327. doi: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2020.05.007. eCollection 2021 Oct. PMID: 34632347